Sports
29 Karatekas Selected For African Championships
The Karate Federation of
Nigeria (KFN) has in Lagos said 29 karatekas were selected at the just-concluded trials held at Asaba, from June 26 to June 29.
Anthony Idaye, the KFN Secretary, told newsmen that the trial was to select karatekas for the 15th Senior African Karate Championships scheduled for Senegal.
The championships are scheduled to hold from August 13 to 17.
The KFN secretary said the karatekas chosen comprised of 16 men and 13 women.
Idaye said they were selected based on their individual outstanding performances at the trials.
“It was a highly competitive trial where we had over 100 karatekas of various categories from across the nation.
“The competition was hitch-free and officiated by competent referees.
“All the karatekas who took part did well, but some of them did better and proved their competence.
“This made them to stand out to be selected by the certified officials,’’ he said.
According to him, the federation now awaits the approval of the proposal sent to the National Sports Commission (NSC) with regards to the country’s participation at the continental championships.
“Being an international competition, we didn’t want to just pick athletes based on past records. This is why we conducted the trials, for us to know the karatekas we are going with.
“Once we get a positive response from the NSC, we will invite the selected karatekas for closed camping, so that comprehensive preparations will begin in earnest,’’ the KFN secretary said.
He expressed optimism that the selected karatekas have what it takes to make the country proud at the championships.
Idaye however applauded Donatus Agu-Ejidike, the KFN President, for sponsoring the trials.
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.
-
News1 day agoPolice Arrest Nigerian, Two Others For Kidnapping In Edo
-
Business21 hours agoNERC Amends Order on Meter Tampering, Power Bypass For Discos
-
Business21 hours agoNigeria, AFC sign $1.3 billion deal to build alumina refinery
-
Rivers20 hours agoKENPOLY Rector Promises To Prioritise Students’ Welfare
-
Nation1 day agoPerm Sec Explains Success Of FGM Elimination Programme In Rivers
-
News1 day agoNDLEA Arrests Ex-Councillor With 40kg Skunk, Recovers Drugs In Diapers
-
Rivers20 hours agoDon, Stakeholders Urge Environmental Laws In N’Delta
-
Rivers20 hours agoADIAFRICA Flags-off Free Eye Screening Outreach In PH