Sports
Medalist Wants Adequate Training For Weightlifters
A national weightlifter, Gloria Moses has declared that Nigerian athletes could excel in international competitions if provided adequate training facilities and exposed to competitions.
Moses told newsmen in Lagos that the country is blessed with talented weightlifters but that they were hampered by poor training equipment.
“It’s so unfortunate that potential talents in the country are not being encouraged to develop in the right direction, we need to be provided with the latest equipment to train.
“Also, a major setback is dearth of competitions and this aspect is very important in the career of athletes because regular competitions help to evaluate one’s level of development.
“Our counterparts in other countries are not better than us, it is just that their countries believe in their potential and are committed to develop them with the required facilities,’’ she said.
Moses, who won three gold medals in the 75kg category at the 17th National Sports Festival in Port Harcourt in 2011, complained about the deplorable state of weightlifting gymnasium at the National Stadium, Lagos.
According to her, the dilapidated state of the gymnasium is enough to discourage any weightlifter.
“Even when one manages to train in the open field with poor available equipment, there is no place to freshen up or wash kits after training, it is a shame,’’ Moses said.
She urged the National Sports Commission (NSC) to urgently rescue the athletes training at the stadium from its present condition.
According to her, putting facilities in order at the stadium will go a long way in motivating athletes to prepare for continental and intercontinental qualifiers.
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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