Sports
GFN Targets Modern Facilities
The President of the Gymnastics Federation of Nigeria (GFN), Adeyemi Foluso, has said that the federation would provide state-of-the-art facilities for the training of gymnasts this year. Foluso told newsmen in Lagos that providing the facilities would help talented gymnasts to attain international standards. “We are blessed with abundant talents in gymnastics so, what we need to do is to provide an enabling environment for their training to sharpen their skills.
“Providing enabling environment means standard equipment for producing quality gymnasts, coaches as well as judges to meet international standards,” he said.
The president also said there was need for elite athletes to participate in subsequent National Sports Festivals, noting that it would spur newly discovered talents to reach their peak in time. “The participation of elite athletes could be used as a yardstick to measure the performance of the upcoming ones and encourage them to put in more effort to be like them. “I believe that if we make the National Sports Festival open to professional athletes, it will generate healthy competition and improve the standard of sports in the country,” he said.
Foluso said that it was only through such competitions that developing sports at the grassroots could be boosted and the athletes gaining international recognition.
The President of the Gymnastics Judges Association of Nigeria, Sodiq Momodu, it was only through the provision of facilities and sponsorship that the sport could develop. “Gymnastics is a delicate event that needs proper apparatus for maximum efficiency, therefore, it is expedient that these facilities are put in place to produce international champions. “If the sport is to be developed in 2013, then it should start with providing facilities for training and sponsorship of its programmes,” he said.
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.
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