Sports
AFN Will Promote Young Talents Equally – Director
The Technical Director,
Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), Omatseye Nesiama, yesterday said that the body would not deny talented children of the opportunity to excel in sports.
But parents should utilise the events organised by state associations and the AFN to expose their talented children to their choice sports, Nesiama told newsmen in Lagos.
Nesiama was reacting to allegations by some parents that AFN was biased in its selection of athletes for training and representation of the country at international meets.
“AFN is never going to deprive a child that is talented of the opportunity to do the country proud. But parents on their part should try to register their children for competitions.
“They can feature for exposure in our youth competitions designed for 15 to 17 years old; there are competitions by the states association also.
“We have not disappointed the parents in the past and we will not do it now.’’
He said that parents should endeavour to register their children for sports events for the AFN to give them the needed recognition.
“Every talented child in Nigeria who has featured in athletics competitions since I assumed office has been supported to the best of his or her ability.
“They have improved because after identifying them, we have been able to register them for international competitions.
“We have the likes of Divine Oduduru, Ese Brume, Bolaji Omotayo to mention a few,’’ Nesiama said.
He noted that engaging in sports was also good for developing children mentally.
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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