Sports
Tennis Player Tasks NTTF On Maintenance
The nation’s male
number one ranked table tennis player Segun Toriola, has called on the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF) to embrace maintenance culture towards the renovated Knock-Up Hall.
Toriola told newsmen in Lagos that the current state of the hall at the National stadium was the best in Africa and must be protected from being damaged by users.
He stressed that the hall should be strictly used for national and international competitions only.
“The hall is set by every standard as a foreign-based player and with my experience I will confidently say that NTTF now has the best table tennis hall in Africa.
“That notwithstanding, I am particular about the maintenance of the entire hall, especially the updated facilities used in equipping the place to prepare athletes for competitions.
“ We can only achieve progress in that direction by applying a laid down principle of allowing players and coaches on major competitions to have access to the hall.’’
Toriola, who is participating in the ongoing International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) GAC Group 2014, tagged “Nigeria Open Challenge’’ in Lagos appealed to users not to undermine the good work.
According to him, the maintenance of the facilities by those who are privileged to have access to the hall will encourage the board to do more.
“I believe this is the beginning, more is coming.
“However, this is subject to the support the board gets from the users because they cannot be working to create comfort and somebody out there is frustrating their effort,’’.
Toriola, who plies his trade with Bayard-Argenean Club of Paris, France, lauded the Wahid Enitan-Oshodi led NTTF board for “the remarkable strides taken to boost the profile of the sport”.
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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