Sports
Coach Berates Baseball, Softball Leadership
Head coach, Niger
Baseball and Softball Association, Sikiru Ahmed, on Tuesday said the affiliation of the sport under the National Sports Commission (NSC), would help to reignite the sport.
Ahmed, who spoke to Tidesports source on telephone, described the current state of the sport as a “worrisome situation’’ that required utmost attention.
The coach alleged that the present leadership of the Nigeria Baseball and Softball Association (NBSA) had yet to organise events that could rescue the sport.
“It is a pity that baseball and softball are no longer played on the pitch, but on facebook pages, with a lot of propaganda.
“Nothing is happening in NBSA, it is unfortunate that we are in this present situation.
“I have always said this and I will continue to stand by my word, unless we get this body under the umbrella of the NSC, we will continue in this present form.
“The little things baseball and softball have achieved was made possible by the little support we got from government in the past, no individual is ready to stake his or her fund in any sport.
“We can also begin to enjoy the little things other sports like cricket and handball are getting from the NSC,’’ he stressed.
Ahmed, however, urged the NBSA to do the needful, in order to be able to revamp the sport at all levels.
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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