Sports
AAG/Afrobasket: National Teams To Commence Camping
President of the Nigeria
Basketball Federation (NBBF), Tijani Umar, has said that the federation’s national teams would likely resume camp this weekend ahead of the All-Africa Games (AAG)/Afrobasket joint preliminaries.
Umar told newsmen in Abuja that the National Sports Commission (NSC) has promised to give the federation the necessary funds this week for preparations to start next week.
“What has held back the camp is funding, but the NSC has given us its words that money will be available this week. So, if we get that, we will resume camping by this weekend.
“This is because their (the teams) resumption to camp has been long overdue and we have to start once we get what we need,’’ he said.
The male and female national teams were expected to begin camping in preparation for the joint preliminary competitions for the 2015 AAG/Afrobasket.
The male national team will face Burkina Faso in a home and away fixture on a yet-to-be-decided date in February.
The female national team, on the other hand, will face the women teams in FIBA Africa Zone 3, namely Niger Republic, Cote D’Ivoire, Togo, Benin Republic, Burkina Faso, Liberia and Ghana.
The NBBF president said he had earlier threatened to resign his position if the national teams were not able to participate in the all-important qualifiers.
“What I am trying to say is that if there are funds to be given from any source, either the private sector or through the government, they should come at the right time.
“Otherwise, if we don’t play in the tournament, and lose out in the end, then there is no point remaining the leader of the federation.
“It is needless being the leader of a failed organisation. It doesn’t make any sense.
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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