Sports
AYG: Coach Promises Record- Breaking Performance
The national hurdles coach of Athletic Federation of Nigeria (AFN) Tom Nnakwe yesterday said Team Nigeria would strive to surpass previous records at the African Youth Games (AYG).
Nnakwe told newsmen in Abuja that the team was determined to improve on previous performances.
He said Team Nigeria won 10 medals, comprising seven gold and three silver at the first edition held in Rabat, Morocco in 2010.
Nnakwe said that the team’s aim of surpassing the previous performance was achievable.
“In the previous African Championship, they came back with 10 medals, now that the NSC approved more athletes to participate in the competition, we are going to double the medals.
“You should expect a record breaking performance in our events and that is what has been on our mind,” the coach said.
He said the outcome of the AYG would determine if some of the athletes were good enough to compete with senior athletes at the Commonwealth Games.
“These Games are for the youth and the Commonwealth Games are basically for senior athletes with some outstanding junior athletes participating.
“So, may be we can have some of our junior athletes who are good enough to make the Commonwealth Games team.
“We are looking forward to that but we are taking one step at a time.
“After we finish with Botswana, we can now check our performance because we have some sprinters here that are doing very well,’’ Nnakwe said.
The AYG is schedule to hold in Gaborone, Botswana, from tomorrow to May 31.
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.