Sports
African U-19 Cricket: Coach Confident Of Nigeria’s Qualification
Head Coach of Rivers
State Cricket Association, Tonye Timinadi, has expressed confidence that players chosen from the state to represent Nigeria amongst other players across the Federation in the forthcoming Africa Division II U-19 World Cup Qualifiers (WCQ) scheduled to hold in Benwoni, South Africa would do the country proud.
Timinadi, who made the expression in an interview with Tidesports said that five male cricket players from the state were invited to camp in Abuja for preparations for the WCQ in South Africa.
According to him, presently two players have been dropped, saying that the other three players are sure to go to South Africa alongside other athletes who were also picked from various states across the country to represent Nigeria.
He maintained that the athletes have what it takes to qualify for the WCQ, adding that, there is no doubt that the players are professionals and seasoned too.
Coach Timinadi, thus, advised the players to be disciplined focused and committed to their chosen career.
“The players are in high spirit and are very determined to qualify for the world cup which is expected to hold in two years.
“Should they qualify for this tournament in South Africa, they will join division I the competition continues until it gets to the league stage where those who qualifies plays the world cup and those in lower division now play the inter-continental”, he explained.
Meanwhile counties participating in the tournament includes, Sierra Leone, Botswana, Zambia, Nigeria and Tanzania.
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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