Sports
Chess Players Shop For Sponsors
The Secretary of the
Chess Players Association of Nigeria (CPAN), Babatunde Ogunsiku, says the body has begun to search for sponsors of its programmes for 2017.
Ogunsiku made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) at the National Stadium, Lagos on yesterday.
Ogunsiku, who is also a national player, said that the body would strive to justify its existence through regular competitions.
“Right now, we are writing proposals to multinational companies; we are planning toward training tours and seminars, and we are looking toward sustaining our monthly chess tournament, here in Lagos.
“We intend to make it bigger this year with more sponsors; we can attract more players from all over the country and not just players within Lagos,’’ he said. Ogunsiku also told Tidesport source that the absence of sponsors made players outside Lagos to shy away from competitions, because the prize money was not usually commensurate with their effort.
“Most players would rather not come to Lagos to play in a tournament that does not really pay much, but with more sponsors, we can make it bigger by inviting players from far,’’ he said.
Tide sports reports that CPAN works under the purview of the Nigeria Chess Federation to organise mini competitions to ensure that regular chess competitions are held. The body also seeks to regenerate the sport at the grassroots through its regular competitions for different age categories which the federation rate chess players.
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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