Sports
Badminton Federation Promises Successful International Classic
The Badminton Federa
tion of Nigeria (BFN), has promised a successful hosting of the International Badminton Classics in Lagos.
The competition is slated for June 4 to 7.
The Vice-President of BFN, Francis Orbih, told newsmen in Lagos that renovation work had commenced at the Mobolaji Johnson Sports Hall after the hosting of the DAWN Games.
He said that the classics was a world class event and assured that all hands were on deck to ensure its success.
“We waited for the Badminton events at the DAWN Games to be concluded, before embarking on the renovation of the Indoor Sports Hall.
“The mats in the court will be changed, television sets will be put in the lounge and many more things,” he said.
Orbih advised badminton players in the country to make full use of the advantage of the Classics and improve on their skills.
“The competition is here; we do not require money for flight tickets and accommodation, so we have the privilege to present as many athletes as possible.
“The players should use the opportunity for self evaluation and strive to learn new things,” he said.
Orbih said that the country would be taking advantage of the competition as hosts to present not less than 50 athletes.
The competition’s total price money would be 15, 000 dollars, for all winners.
No fewer than 15 countries are being expected at the competition.
The countries include: USA, Austria, France, Israel, Canada, Slovenia, Czech Republic, New Zealand, Botswana and Uganda.
Others are South Africa, Ghana, Italy, India and hosts, Nigeria.
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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