Sports
Coach Makes Case For Local B’Ball Players
Head coach, First Deep Water Basketball Club, Lateef
Erinfolami, has urged the authorities to
look inwards for the selection of players to represent the country in
international competitions.
Erinfolami
made the remark during an interview with the Tidesports in Lagos, as his
team commenced preparation for the new season.
“We
need the authorities to give due consideration to home-based professional
players when they are selecting players for the national team,’’ he said.
Erinfolami
commended the opportunity given to the country’s home-based footballers in the
Super Eagles squad that is currently in South Africa for the on-going AFCON
tournament.
He
added that the gesture would encourage other players to work hard, in
anticipation of an invitation to the national squad in the nearest future.
“There
are players who can make the country proud if only they are allowed to show
what they have.
“The
dependence on foreign professionals for our international engagements will
continue to hinder the growth of the game at home.
“When
you take a look at Steven Keshi’s AFCON squad, some home based players were
part of the team.
“Therefore,
such an arrangement should be available for basketball, especially female
basketball that needs to grow in the country.
“We
have to give our local players the chance to grow; by this we encourage true
patriotism which is the foundation of true champions,’’ he said.
Erinfolami
who commented on his team’s expectations in the forthcoming season said that it
would strive to retain the Zenith Bank Women’s Basketball League title.
“We
have already commenced our training ahead of the upcoming season and we are
hopeful of another good outing.
“All
hands are on deck for us to ensure that we retain the title that we have
continuously won in the last three seasons.
“However,
this year, we are looking forward to conquering the continent. This is our
major objective,’’ he 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.
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