Sports
NSC Set To Organise National U-17 Games In 2013
The National Sports Commission (NSC) is to organise the country’s first ever National U-17 Games in 2013, Julius Ogunro, Media Assistant to the Sports Minister, said on Thursday.
He told Tidesports source in Lagos on telephone that the festival was aimed at nurturing more grassroots talents for the country’s sports development programmes.
“Next year, we will be hosting the first ever U-17 sports festival. This is one of our developmental programme to ensure that we scout the nation for the best talents possible.
“The objective is to discover athletes at an early age and to groom them thereafter for elite sporting events, such as the Olympics and the all Africa Games,’’ Ogunro said.
He also told Tidesports source that the NSC was currently putting in place mechanisms that will streamline the development of talents that were discovered from the just-concluded 18th National Sports Festival.
“The commission is working with the sports federations on this project and will ensure that the programmes are properly coordinated,’’ Ogunro said.
He stressed the need for a viable Public Private Partnership that would propel the country’s sports to the level it ought to be.
“Hopefully, there will be better funding in the coming year and more partnerships. We will also ensure a faithful implementation of our various programmes,’’ the special assistant added.
The Bayelsa State government, yesterday, announced that the marathon will be held on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
The inaugural race is owned by the Bayelsa State Government and will be organised by Nilayo Sports Management Limited, a sports management company.
Under the theme “The Reveal,” the race represents a bold unveiling of Bayelsa’s immense human and cultural potential to the international community, inviting the world to witness the resilience, grit, and talent rooted in the heart of the Niger Delta.
According to the organisers, the race will be flagged off at 9:30 a.m., at the Opolo Roundabout, guiding participants through a carefully designed 10-kilometre route that highlights the scenic beauty and vibrant atmosphere of Yenagoa.
The course will culminate at Peace Park Square, where athletes will cross the finish line into a grand celebration of endurance, unity, and community spirit.
To elevate the experience for runners and spectators alike, the finish venue will host a high-energy post-race concert featuring performances from top A-list artistes, blending sport and entertainment in a festival-style atmosphere.
The organisers directed all registered participants to collect their race bibs and kits at the designated Peace Park Square between March 30 and April 3, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily.
The race, according to them, is currently on track for World Athletics accreditation, underscoring the commitment of both the Bayelsa State Government and Nilayo Sports Management Limited to delivering an event that meets the highest global standards.
The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, on Friday continued the Commission’s nationwide appreciation tour with a visit to Abeokuta, where outstanding junior athlete, Majekodunmi Afusat Bisola, was presented with a cheque of N3 million.
The presentation forms part of the NSC’s initiative to recognise and reward exceptional junior athletes who distinguished themselves in 2025 and contributed significantly to Nigeria’s medal haul.
Majekodunmi delivered an impressive run of performances on the track. At the last edition of the National Sports Festival, she stormed to gold in the 400m and the 4x400m relay. She replicated the double triumph at the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) Junior Championship, in Abeokuta, before emerging as one of the standout stars at the African Youth Games in Luanda, Angola.
Speaking during the presentation, Olopade explained that the Commission deemed it necessary to extend financial appreciation to grassroots athletes after elite performers had earlier received grants running into thousands of dollars.
“A few weeks ago, after paying grants to our elite athletes, we agreed tthere was a need to also appreciate these young, budding talents who made Nigeria proud last year,” he said.
He disclosed that of the 376 medals recorded by Nigerian athletes in 2025, more than 200 were won by grassroots talents, underscoring the importance of sustained investment in youth development.