Sports
Cross River Ready For 2014 NSF
With less than eight
months to the biennial National Sport Festival to be hosted by Cross River State, Governor Liyel Imoke, has assured that various sporting facilities would be completed and ready for use in August.
Governor Imoke, who gave the assurance during an inspection tour of facilities currently under construction, noted that construction work had progressed a lot more than his previous inspection.
“A lot of progress has been made from the last time that I was here. We have been to all the sites and most of the contractors have confirmed that they will be ready by May and June 2014. What that means is that it will afford us the time to test-run all the facilities with the Cross River State AFN Athletic Championship.”
Describing the facilities tour as a routine, Imoke , who assured that the state was more than ready to host the national games in November, said his administration would ensure that everything was in place not later than August.
According to him, “We will also ensure that everything else that is needed to be completed will be in place not later than August. So we should be able to make the facilities available thereafter for training and for use leading up to the National Sport Festival in November.”
On the state’s readiness, Governor Imoke expressed optimism that, “Cross River State is always ready because we do not take on things that we are not ready for. So we are always ready.”
At the U.J. Esuene Stadium, one of the venues for the games inspected by the governor, grasses were seen being laid by the workers. Imoke, however, urged that the pace of work at the 2,600-seater multi-purpose indoor hall be intensified.
Among the facilities inspected by the governor, there were concrete assurances by contractors handling different projects that the various deadlines set for the completion of work would be met without fail.
Currently under construction are three lawn tennis courts at the Calabar Tennis Club, which would bring to six the number of courts to be used at the club.
Others are two volleyball and handball courts; a hockey pitch, two Olympic standard swimming pools and a basketball court.
Handball players in action during a national event in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, recently
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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