Sports
Nigerian Amputees Target Nations Cup Trophy
The Nigeria Amputee
Football Federation (NAFF) National team has boasted that it would lift the Cup of Nations for Amputee Football (CANAF) in Liberia, holding from November 25 to 30.
The Assistant Coach of the team, Gbenga Dosunmu, told Tidesports in Lagos that the players had been exhibiting tremendous skills at the training sessions.
“I am happy with the level of responsiveness of the boys to the painstaking programmes we subjected them to.
“They are obedient and yielding to corrections, which is very encouraging.
“In spite of the open camp, non-response from the national body, they still show interest and the zeal of victory is manifesting in their general performance,’’ he said.
According to him, Nigeria was able to make a mark at the 2011 edition held in Ghana by thrilling Nigerians in the Diaspora and other football fans.
“I am very optimistic that football enthusiasts will be on the look out for our national team, while other participating teams will be warming up to confront us.’’
He said it was disheartening that no adequate preparation was being made to fortify the team’s readiness for the competition, urging the National Sports Commission (NSC) to give them some attention.
“The team is expected to be in closed camp, engage in friendly matches and probably go for a training tour to get exposure, but nothing is forthcoming, even till date.
“These boys are out to make the country proud like the Golden Eaglets just did, notwithstanding their physical challenges. All they need is adequate preparation from the NSC and other corporate organisations,’’ he 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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