Sports
NSSF Boss Laments States’ Unwillingness To Sponsor Competition
The President of National School Sports Federation (NSSF), Ibrahim Mohammed, has decried the lack of interest by state governments to host the National School Sports Festival (NSSF).
Tidesports gathered that the annual sports festival for students in primary and secondary schools was last held in Oturkpo, Benue in November 2014.
Mohammed told newsmen in Awka yesterday that efforts made to secure the approval of state governments which had agreed to host the subsequent editions met brick wall as the federation’s proposals were turned down.
He said that it was a known but unfortunate development in the federation that most states had abandoned school sports festival.
He noted that it was a trend that would negatively affect sports development and society if not addressed urgently.
“For three years now, every activity in the federation has been virtually grounded, it is unfortunate that it has been promise and fail and disappointments from our governors.
“Akwa Ibom agreed to host the 8th edition in 2015 and we have been visiting Uyo to see the government but has not succeeded; I have even gone to Delta but nobody is ready to host us.
“We do not require much, just venue, accommodation and logistics and they say they don’t have.
“And everyday these politicians hold rallies and other political propaganda events and spend much more on them, they refuse to sponsor sports because they feel it doesn’t benefit them politically.
“How can they stand and watch these young ones with the potential to rule their world of sports go undeveloped?
Mohammed called on both the APC-led Federal Government and the state governments to take interest in the development of the youth and sports.
He said that it was not a good omen that no edition of the school sports festival had held since 2015.
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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