Sports
AAG: Nigeria Will Feature In 21 Sports -Popoola
Super Falcons
The Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) yesterday said that the nation would participate in 21 sports at the forthcoming All Africa Games (AAG) coming up in Congo Brazzaville from September 4 to September 19.
The sports are athletics, basketball, badminton, boxing, beach volleyball, cycling, football, gymnastics and handball.
Others are judo, karate, table tennis, para athletics, powerlifting, taekwondo, tennis, rugby, swimming, volleyball, weightlifting and wrestling.
The Secretary-General of NOC, Tunde Popoola, however, told the newsmen in Lagos that the number of sports may be reduced due to paucity of funds.
“21 sports have made the requirements to feature at the Games. The numbers might undergo a reduction before the eventual departure to Congo Brazzaville.
“The National Sports Commission (NSC) have told us that they don’t have enough funds to carry all athletes.
“We are hoping that a way is found so that we can be able to take all the athletes,’’ he said.
The scribe said that, if by the end of July the financial situation has not improved, the number of sports for the games would be reduced to 15 or 17.
“It is not our intention to raise hopes and eventually dash it. If NOC has its way, all the 21 sports will go. It would be very painful if it comes down to dropping some sports.
“It is rather unfortunate the situation we are finding ourselves at this tail end of the tiding up for the Games.
“We are hoping that things would turn around for good and all the contingent would go,’’ he said.
The 2011 AAG in Maputo, Nigeria featured in 20 sports and clinched 102 medals comprised of 31 gold, 29 silver and 42 bronze.
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.