Sports
Association Lifts Ban On Baseball Manager
The Nigeria Baseball
and Softball Association (NBSA) has lifted the ban on a former team manager of the association, Jide Abidoye, who was suspended from its activities in the country.
This is contained in a statement signed by the association’s secretary, Kehinde Laniyan, in Lagos.
It said that the ban on Abidoye was lifted after he made an appeal to the NBSA board.
Abidoye was suspended from baseball and softball activities in 2008 over alleged misconduct.
“The president of NBSA, Victor Fingesi, has approved the exoneration of coach Abidoye for misconduct after an appeal.
“In view of the above, the former team manager can now take part in all baseball and softball activities at the state and national level,’’ the statement said.
In his reaction, the coach, told newsmen that he was pleased with the development.
Abidoye, however, gave assurance of his continuous support to the development of the sport in the country.
“I’m happy and delighted with the news and am greatly relieved that my name has been cleared by the NBSA board.
“I belong to the baseball and softball family in Nigeria and I will not relent in contributing to the growth of the sport at all levels,’’ he said.
Abidoye coached the Nigeria baseball teams that won silver at the 1999 and 2003 All Africa Games respectively.
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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