Sports
Zamfara Aims To Host 2016 CCSF Championships
Amember of the Nigeria
Taekwodo Federation (NTF) board, Mohammed Garba has said that Zamfara would bid to host the 2016 edition of the Chika Chukwumerije Sports Foundation (CCSF) Championships.
Garba told newsmen in Abuja that he was eager to ensure the championship, which usually holds in Abuja in October, was held in his state Zamfara.
He said this move was part of efforts to develop taekwondo in the region.
Garba said a one-day taekwondo demonstration programme for students, tagged “Inspire the Zones’’ and organised in his honour on January 30, had exposed the potential which abound in the state.
“We have a crop of young men in the board now who are out to reposition the sport in the country. So, in consideration of that, I singlehandedly picked interest in that sport.
“I have been following the various competitions of the federation, especially the annual CCSF Championships which usually take place in Abuja.
“Because I have been following it, I decided to bid for the championship so that it can be hosted in my state.
“It was in preparation of this that we decided to have a demonstration of the sport for the junior ones recently, in line with our primary, secondary and tertiary talent-hunt programme in the state,’’ he said.
The NTF board member said five potential taekwondoists were discovered from the programme.
He said the athletes would be developed so as to represent the state in future local and international competitions.
“This is just the beginning. We are going to take the game to a greater height, because we want to produce athletes who will compete at local and international levels.
“We have already discovered some talents from this programme we organised who can do us proud in any local event we organise now.
“Zamfara has never presented quality representatives in taekwondo at the National Sports Festival. But now, we are ready for the junior and senior categories of the festival,’’ Garba added.
The NTF board member further said Zamfara had all that was required to host any major championship, such as the annual CCSF championships.
He urged young ones not to concentrate on football, but instead also take to taekwondo which “develops the mental ability of every human being’’.
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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