Sports
Lack Of Equipment Hampers Kayak Training
A kayak athlete, Moses Orugbani, has, decried the lack of standard equipment with which athletes in the sport could train with.
Orugbani told Tidesports in an interview that the situation was capable of stunting the technical development of the athletes.
“We don’t have standard equipment to train with and it is really hampering the development of the sport.
“I hope that the authorities will provide us with the necessary equipment that will assist us in strengthening our skills.
“Although we know such equipment is expensive, but we are only hoping to get some to enhance our training,” he said.
Orugbani also told Tidesports that they lacked competitions through which they could hone their skills.
“What we athletes do is just to train with no competition in view. We ought to be participating in as many competitions as possible, to improve in our performance, he added.
The Kayak practitioner is, however, optimistic that the incoming board of the Nigeria Rowing, Sailing and Canoe Federation (NRSCF), would improve on the situation.
“I am only praying that the next board of the federation will have the ability to adequately equip the sport.
“So that we can move ahead and see how we can build on our strength to become a medal-winning sport in the Olympics,” he said.
Nigeria participated for the first time in canoeing at the 2012 London Olympic Games.
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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