Sports
Para-Athletes Want Inclusion In NTTF Competitions
Players representative
on the Board of Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF), Tajudeen Agubiade, has urged the body to include para-athletes in its competitions.
Agubiade told newsmen in Lagos that the gesture would encourage the physically challenged athletes to excel.
He said that there were talented table tennis players that were eager to make a mark at national competitions but had not received the desired encouragement from the body.
“I must confess that the NTTF present board is doing well, competitions are regular, but in the same direction I am pleading that equal opportunities should be extended to the para-athletes.
“We got talents in the categories of para-athletes, they are always here in the Knock-Up Hall for training and it will be exciting to augment their effort with competitions.
“That is not to say there is disparity, but its to foster smooth relationship among table tennis players both able and disabled, to further solidify development of the sport in the country.
“I believe this board has a listening ear, and is ready to apply measures that will promote the sport and put smile on the faces of the athletes under them,’’ he said.
The NTTF players’ representative also acknowledged that there were sufficient and standard training facilities for the athletes.
“Our hall is of international standard with modern facilities for training, implying that the body is in tune with the pace of development and is highly remarkable,’’ he added.
While applauding the board for its tremendous effort in engaging athletes through competition, Agubiade enjoined state associations to also follow the good step.
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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