Sports
Sports Minister Gets Commendation Over C’Wealth Games
Volleyball players in action during a national Tourney in Port Harcourt, Rivers State recently.
The Nigeria Football
Federation (NFF) has congratulated the Minister of Sports Tamuno Danagogo on the success achieved by Nigeria’s athletes at the recent Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland.
“The Honourable Minister, Dr. Tammy Danagogo is the head of the unit that has brought us this global glory, and we must praise him accordingly,” Acting President of the NFF Mike Umeh said on Monday.
“It is on record that our athletes to Glasgow did a little better than what the contingent to New Delhi, India four years ago did. We also commend the Director General, Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye and his Directors for the preparation of the athletes.”
Umeh contended that Dr. Danagogo, who came into office less than five months ago, has proven to be a positive force for Nigeria sports, recalling Nigeria’s glorious run at the second Africa Youth Games in Gaborone, Botswana (where the country’s youthful footballers also won gold) and the Super Eagles’ Round of 16 berth at the FIFA World Cup finals in Brazil, the first in 16 years.
The Commonwealth Games came to an end on Sunday evening with Nigeria finishing in eighth position after scooping 11 gold, 11 silver and 14 bronze medals – highlighted by the delectable Blessing Okagbare’s superlative sprint double.
It is the second best performance by Nigeria at the 84–year-old quadrennial Games, slightly edged by the 11 gold, 13 silver and 13 bronze medals won at the Games in Victoria, Canada in 1994.
Sharks FC Adds New Coach To Crew
Sharks FC of Port Harcourt has bolstered the their ranks with the addition of Abdul Maikaba to the technical crew.
The former Kano Pillars coach who also had a stint with Enyimba has been employed by the Blue Angels to add more technical depth to the coach Gbenga Ogunbote-tutoured side.
Maikaba stated that he has been following the progress of the team, and hailed the exploits of Ogunbote with the team so far.
“I must say am particularly pleased with the progress Ogunbote has made in this team,” Chairman of the Glo Premier League Media Officers, China Acheru quotes Maikaba to have said.
“I have been following the team’s progress from when the run in the first round of the League until the free fall and the boys are good and that is why I want to say Sharks can still reclaim the top spot before the end of the season.”
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.