Sports
Lack Of Equipment Worries Cycling Coach
The Assistant Coach,
Kaduna State Cycling Association, Ayuba Bawa has appealed to the state government to assist in the provision of equipment to promote the sport in the state.
Bawa told newsmen in Kaduna that the association needed good bicycles to enable the cyclists to maximise their potential.
“I want to use this opportunity to appeal to the state government to assist us with standard bicycles like the ones used for Olympic Games so as to attract more cyclists to the game.
“These bicycles, when provided, will help to boost our performance and chances in competitions,’’ he said.
According to Bawa, cycling is regarded as one of the most expensive sports.
He also said that lack of motivation was affecting the state’s performance at national competitions.
“Kaduna State is known to be one of the leading states in the sport; the state has produced top national athletes, but there is no motivation by the state government.
“Three of our cyclists are in the national team because of their performance in the Garden City Cycling Championship in Rivers State and other competitions we attended.
“We won a trophy in the junior category of the competition in Rivers,” Bawa said.
He said the state took part in two categories; professionals and U- 23.
According to him, 260 cyclists participated in the championship.
He said that the association was the first to bring the trophy to the state this year.
Bawa expressed confidence that the state’s cyclists would perform well in the upcoming National Sports Festival in Calabar.
He, however, pleaded with the state government to pay the allowances of the athletes to encourage them to focus on their preparation for the sports festival.
“Most of the athletes are not fully employed, they are on contract with the sports council, others are volunteers because of the love they have for the game.
“I appeal to the state government to pay our allowances and sponsor competitions so as to promote the sport,’’ he said.
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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