Sports
NTF, CCSF Partner FCT On Taekwondo Development
The FCT Secondary
Education Board has agreed to collaborate with the Nigeria Taekwondo Federation to develop taekwondo in the FCT.
A taekwondo stakeholder, Chika Chkwumerije, made the disclosure in an interview with newsmen in Abuja.
The collaboration will make taekwondo to be integrated into secondary school curriculum in the FCT.
Chukwumerije is the founder of the Chika Chukwumerije Sports Foundation (CCSF).
He explained that the collaboration would make the NTF and CCSF to train about 400 students from four Government Secondary Schools in the FCT.
“When we did our research, we found out that almost every private school has taekwondo facilities while the public schools do not.
“I also found out that there are lots of bright students in the government schools.
“This made us to prepare an elaborate plan and proposal to the secondary education board.
“They looked at it and said even though it will expand their curriculum; it is good they give it a trial.
“So, they approved it in four of the government secondary schools in Garki, Lugbe, Maitama and Wuse Zone 3.
“The programme has been fully introduced in Garki and Zone 3 and in the coming weeks, Maitama and Lugbe will follow.’’
He said the programme which would be launched in March in conjunction with the Secondary Education Board, was aimed at inspiring kids and interacting with some international taekwondo athletes.
Chukwumerije said the goal was to build a Team CCSF and athletes, who would represent Nigeria at various international taekwondo competitions.
The Beijing Olympics bronze medalist added that the initiative was part of CCSF’s efforts at developing the sport in Nigeria.
“This was as a result of a successful take-off of our zonal taekwondo programme, tagged ‘Inspire the Zones’,’’ he said.
No fewer than 100 students from Garki Secondary School participated in a talent-hunt programme which took place at the school.
Training kits were distributed to students, while the school got some taekwondo equipment to facilitate the students’ weekly training as recommended by the Education Board.
Swimmers in training with their coach
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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