Sports
Commonwealth Games: 500 Athletes In Calabar For Trials
An Assistant Coach of
the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), Uruemu Adu, has said that more than 500 athletes were in Calabar for the All Nigeria Athletics Championships which started last Thursday.
Adu told newsmen that 16 of the athletes were foreign-based.
He said that foreign-based athletes had acclimatised with the environment, adding that some of them had posted good results to remain relevant.
“The competition has been stiff as it determines our representation at the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games and the Marrakech 2014 Africa Athletics Championships,” he said.
According to him, Patience Okoro emerged first in Javelin (women) with 44.63sec, Enemuo Chioma, second, with 43.18sec and Kelechi Nwanga, third, with 42.10sec.
The coach said that Pricillia Zever came fourth with 42.13sec.
He said that Bukunmi Oloye came first in 100m (women) with return time of 11.89sec, followed by Abolaji Omotayo with 11.94sec, while Aniekem Alphonsus placed third with 12.04sec and Nkeiruka Onuejizu, fourth, with 12.26sec.
“In the 10,000 Walk Race (women), Faustina Oguh returned 52.03.02sec to top the table, while Queensely Asedo with 52.30.92sec, came second.
“Queen Henshaw posted 53.56.74sec for the third position, as Fadekemi Olude occupied the fourth position with 55.31.78sec,’’ he said.
Other events of the three-day competition would continue on Friday.
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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