Sports
Nigeria Loses Wheelchair B’ball Ticket To S’Africa
Nigeria has lost the ticket to participate in the 2013 edition of the World U-23 Wheelchair Basketball tournament in Turkey later in the year to South Africa.
The Secretary, Nigeria Wheelchair Basketball Federation (NWBF), Victor Anusa disclosed this to newsmen in Lagos.
Anusa said that Nigeria lost the ticket at the just-ended Africa U-23 Wheelchair Basketball competition held between March 29 and April 6, in South Africa.
The secretary, who accompanied the team to the event, said that Nigeria lost 26-42 to hosts South Africa at the finals.
He said that the continental competition served as the qualifier for the only African nation to the world tournament.
“The Nigerian team played well, but the South Africans were better.
“There was no how we could have outplayed the South Africans, because their players were of international status, unlike in Nigeria where we are just developing the sport.
“Moreover their players have better welfare incentives than our players,” Anusa said.
According to him, the South African athletes had a monthly welfare package from a consortium of private firms, unlike their Nigerian counterparts with no regular income.
He added that the South Africans also paraded an array of world beaters that can confront the world number one wheelchair basketball nation in any tournament.
“The standard and accuracy of play by the South African players was so smooth that they can charm their sponsors to do more and their supporters for maximum support,” he said.
Zimbabwe and Algeria also participated in the eight-day championship.
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.