Sports
Nigeria’s Performance In US Taekwondo Open Excites Coach
Kano State Taekwondo Coach, Ibrahim Yahuza, on Thursday, commended the performance of the Nigerian taekwondoists at the recent US Open Taekwondo Championship in Las Vegas, US.
The country was represented by three taekwondoists at the championship held between February 19 and 23, namely: Usman Suleiman (58 kg), Shehu Bello (74kg) and Ismaila Mohammed (80 kg).
Yahuza told Tidesports in Lagos that the athletes performed creditably.
“As far as we are concerned, the outing is a success, so far so good, we went with a team of three guys.
“And one of the guys in the 58kg class was able to reach up to quarter-finals. He fought with two US athletes and he defeated them. In the first fight 15-2, in the second fight 8-1 and he lost against Costa Rica at the quarter-finals and the other two guys lost in their first fights.
“So by our standard, it’s success because what I’m daring of to know as a coach is to expose our
athletes to a world class competition.
“So that when the world championship comes we believe we are ripe enough to win something because they never had this opportunity. They are all local and national champions.
“And when you go to international championships, the standard is different, in terms of organisation, in terms of the competitors – very high competitors.
“So, when we begin to have this opportunity, we take them to German Open, Belgium Open when the world championships come, then our priority will change because our athletes are a threat and they are exposed, they’ve gained the necessary exposure so by our standard and by their performance; We’d say they have done wonderfully well.”
The coach also appealed to the government to sponsor programmes that would enable the athletes to participate in future competitions to improve their skills.
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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