Sports
2014 Commonwealth Games: Nigeria Set To Surpass Previous Records
The Director-General of
the National Sports Commission (NSC), Gbenga Elegbeleye, says the commission’s focus for the 2014 Commonwealth Games is for Team Nigeria to surpass its 2010 Games’ performance.
Elegbeleye told newsmen in Abuja that the commission was preparing its athletes adequately to meet the target of improving on the 11 gold medals won in 2010.
“For the 2014 Commonwealth Games, I am not going to say we will win a particular number of medals.
“But all I will say is that while we won 11 gold medals at New Delhi in India in 2010, we won’t go below that or just achieve same this time around. Rather, we want to surpass that in Glasgow.
“Our target is to go beyond what we won in New Delhi. That is success. We must improve on our previous performance and not be on the same level or go below,’’ he said.
The 2014 Commonwealth Games will be helding from July 23 to August 3 at Glasgow in Scotland.
Elegbeleye said the country’s athletes in para-powerlifting, boxing, weightlifting, table tennis and wrestling have been participating in various international competitions to help prepare them adequately for the Games.
The NSC director-general said preparations were ongoing to ensure that that athletes acquired the necessary exposure internationally before the Games.
“We are not just leaving our athletes for the Games, without preparing them. We believe in competition, the more you compete with others outside your environment, the more you have the confidence to go out for international competition”, 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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