Sports
NPF President Appeals For Sponsorships
The President of the Ni
geria Powerlifting Federation (NPF), Abdulazeez Alli, on Wednesday appealed to corporate bodies and individuals to sponsor the federation’s programmes , to reposition the sport in 2015.
Alli told newsmen in Lagos that Lack of sponsorship for some of the federation’s programme had affected the growth of the sport over the years.
He noted that the sport would only flourish if competitions were organised regularly to engage powerlifters and evaluate their abilities.
“We always have programmes for our athletes but our major problem has been lack of funds to execute the programmes.
“We are appealing to organisations and sport-loving Nigerians to come to our aid and bankroll some of our programmes, so we can engage our athletes regularly this year.’’
He said that the federation would increase its sponsorship drive to get sponsors for its progrmmes.
The president also noted that lack of adequate training facilities had also slowed down the sport in the country.
He said that availability of training facilities would spur powerlifters to train regularly, noting that it was only through constant training that athletes could excel in competitions.
“The issue of training facilities cannot be ignored, the poor state of the training gym is also a contributing factor that is affecting powerlifting.’’
Alli appealed to government to upgrade available training facilities in the country.
A female weightlifter showing her skills during a previous National Sports Festival
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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