Sports
Baseball, Softball Federation Hails International Merger
The Nigeria Baseball and Softball Federation(NSBF), has said that the merger by the International Baseball Federation and International Softball Federation would help to get the sport back in the 2020 Olympic Games.
Secretary, NSBF, Kehinde Laniyan, told newsmen, that the move would put the sport ahead of others also being considered for the Games.
According to him, the sport featured in the 2008 Beijing Olympics, before it was de-listed by the IOC from the 2012 London Olympic Games.
“The two federations deemed it necessary to fuse into one for the growth of the sport.
“And I am very hopeful that the bid by the new World Baseball and Softball Confederation (WBSC) will get the sport back in the Olympics,’’ he said.
Laniyan added that all necessary measures have been put in place by the NBSF, to ensure that the country was adequately represented when the sport is finally included in the 2020 Olympics.
“We are already gearing up to ensure that the country participates in the sport when it is back in the Olympics,’’ he added.
Meanwhile, Robert Onwukwe, Technical Director of the Lagos State Baseball and Softball Association, also described the merger as a welcome development.
Onwukwe said that the development would give the sport an edge over other sports that were being considered for the 2020 Games.
“This is a very good development for baseball and softball players, as well as fans of the sport all over the world,’’ the technical director said.
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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