Sports
Federation Moves To Promote Cricket
The President, Nigeria
Cricket Federation (NCF), Emeka Inyama, has reaffirmed the federation’s commitment to advance the growth of the sport in the country.
Inyama told newsmen that the body had put in place programmes to enhance the development of cricket.
“Getting cricket to the top remains our main priority and we are keen to achieve what we have set out to achieve.
“Immediately this present executive came on board, we introduced programmes that have impacted positively on the sport and we will not relent,” he said.
According to him, cricket has recorded tremendous progress in the last 14 months compared to what it was in the past.
He said that the sport previously featured as an optional sport at the National Sports Festivals, adding that it now features as a major in national competitions.
“What we have achieved in the last 14 months that I became the president has brought cricket back to limelight.
“Presently, cricket is featured as a major sport at the ongoing National School Sports Festival in Benue,” he said. Inyama added that the NCF had concluded arrangements to organise a National Male and Female Cricket Championships in December.
He said that the championships slated for Abuja would help players to hone their skills and also evaluate their performances.
The president, however, appealed to corporate bodies to complement the federation’s efforts by sponsoring some of its programmes.
Rivers State SWAN Chairman, Honour Sirawo (left), presenting the award to Oziegbe
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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