Sports
AAG: NSC Warns Athletes Against Doping
Congolese U-23 defender (5) on the ball during their game with Nigeria’s Dream Team VI at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, Port Harcourt on Sunday
The Director-General, National Sports Commission (NSC), Alhassan Yakmut, has warned weightlifters and wrestlers preparing for the 11th All-Africa Games to be ready to pay the full price if caught doping.
Yakmut who gave the warning in Abuja while addressing the athletes during their training said they had no reason at all to go into doping.
He also said he was ready to ensure better athletes welfare and the development of a database to ensure athletes’ post-career life was made better.
The NSC Director-General was on a routine visit to the camps and training venues of all the teams preparing for the Games.
“A number of our athletes have been caught doping in recent years, especially in your events, and this had greatly affected the development of these sports.
“But we don’t want this again, because we know you can do better and perform excellently without drugs,’’ he said.
Yakmut who then asked the athletes to pledge not to be involved in doping at all, to which they responded positively, said the Commission was ready to punish those caught doping.
“Now that you have made a pledge not to be involved in doping, you should know that this is a pledge that should stay with you for life and can haunt you for life if you go against what you have pledged.
“We at the NSC will however ensure that, for bringing dishonor to our fatherland Nigeria, you are not only punished by the international sports federations.
“We will ensure that you are made to pay for it here in Nigeria with all available sanctions and the full weight of the Nigerian laws in respect of those who bring disgrace to their country,’’ he said.
The NSC director-general said the Nigerian athlete now have no reason to be involved in doping and no reason also not to excel.
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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