Sports
NTTF Urges Sponsorship For All Sports
The President of the Nigerian Table Tennis Federation (NTTF), Mr Kayode Omotoshe, has urged all levels of government to endeavour to sponsor other sporting activities, besides football.
Omotoshe made the appeal during an interview with newsmen in Ilorin, shortly after the finals of the Kwara Table Tennis Association Chairman’s Cup.
The NTTF President, who is also Chairman of the Kwara Table Tennis Association, appealed to other levels of government to shift attention to other sports, to enhance their development and not for any ‘imaginary’ tussle with football.
Omotoshe said that the need for continuity informed the decision to name the championship as the Chairman, Kwara Table Tennis Association Cup, in the belief that no chairman would work against the tournament.
Meanwhile, speaking at the closing ceremony of the championship the Director, Kwara Sports Counci , Coach Tunde Kazeem, commended the sponsor of the championship and called for more of such sponsorships among sports stakeholders in the state.
Habibat Ibrahim beat Taiye Olawoyin 3-2, to emerge the winner of the class 1-5 wheelchair (female)category, while Bisola Asaju triumphed over Fatimoh Bello, in three straight sets in the ladies singles category of the championship.
In the men’s singles, Taiye Jimoh defeated Bello Rasaq in three straight sets to win the first prize, while Lekan Abdullahi also beat Rasheed Yusuf in three straight sets to win the class 1-5 wheelchair (male) category.
The winners in each category went home with a cash prize of N10,000 while the first and the second runners-up got N7, 500 and N5, 000 respectively.
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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