Sports
Rio 2016:Our Athletes Can Outpace Jamaican, US Counterparts – Ex Coach
Former Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) coach Tobias Igwe, said with adequate training Nigeria’s female athletes could beat their Jamaican and US counterparts in track events at the Rio 2016 Olympics.
Igwe told newsmen in Lagos that Nigeria’s strength in track events, especially the 4×400 would be added advantage to its female athletes.
“We have the 4×400 women, most of who are running 51, 52 seconds.
“They can be pushed to (run) 50 seconds, 49 seconds and that will be a very good team for Nigeria in the Olympics.
“But for the coach to make an impact, he has to get gifted coaches, who can push the girls to (run) 49 seconds, 50 seconds for them to (be able to) beat Jamaica and the USA in the 4x400m (event).
“That is the event for which we can win medals at the Olympics.
“Blessing Okagbare in the 100m, 200m and the long jump and then the girls in the 4x400m.“
He said though the performance level of the athletes in track events had fallen, AFN should be given the opportunity to raise the performance level.
He said, “I hope AFN will be able to come up with a good strategy because we need more athletes, who can do the country proud.“
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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