Sports
Tennis Scribe Bemoans Poor Training
Secretary of the Rivers
State Table Tennis Association, Tekenah Lulu-Poku has lamented the team’s inability to embark on formal training, since, after the first phase of camping, ahead of the 19th National Sports Festival NSF.
Lulu-Poku, who disclosed this last Monday, in an exclusive interview with Tidesports said that the absence of adequate training may spell doom for the team.
According to him, the players are training individually, but, have not trained together as a team, saying that, most of the players were contract athletes.
“Most of the players are contract athletes, so they are training at their various places pointing out that when the date for the festival draws close the athletes would come together for the “2014 Paradise Game” scheduled to hold in Calabar, Cross River State.
The tennis scribe, stated that the team was expecting a letter from the Nigeria Tennis Federation (NTF) in respect of a forthcoming tennis competition tagged “National Open Tennis Competition”.
He said that when he received the letter the preparations would be in top shape as to keep the players fit to compete favourably when the competition finally comes up this month.
Meanwhile, the team awaits the second phase camping for the national fiesta to further fortify their preparations for the task ahead.
Cyclists struggling for honour during national event in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, recently.
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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