Sports
Cycling Federation Plans Awareness Campaign
The Cycling Federation of
Nigeria (CFN) has said it would soon embark on a nationwide awareness campaign, to promote the development of the sport in the country.
The Secretary of CFN, Samuel Aninu, spoke with newsmen on the plan in Lagos.
He said that the federation would stage competitions in states where the sport was relatively unknown toward popularising it in such areas.
According to him, Lagos State will be the first stop.
“Lagos is one of our top priorities; we want the state to fully embrace the sport due to importance of the state to the nation’s sports development,’’ Aninu said.
He solicited for support and sponsorship by government and corporate bodies toward popularising the sport in the country.
Aninu said the CFN would also set up a website to enlighten the public about the sport.
“We are trying to make sure that we create a website that would enable the public to be well aware of our activities and what the sport is all about.
“The federation has even started collating data and all the necessary input from stakeholders toward having a rich website.
“The consultant that will manage the website will be engaged, this is aimed at making the website user-friendly,’’ he said.
Aninu said that the sport was really suffering due to lack of funds.
“It is not only cycling that is dying in Nigeria, there are many other sports too that are on the verge of dying; something drastic needs to be done about the state of our sports.
“This is because it is only a few sports like football, basketball and athletics that are having strong financial backbone and that is why they are doing well.
“But for the other sports, lack of funding is what is killing their growth,’’ he said.
Cyclists competing in a recent national championship
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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