Sports
Odizor Advises Ministry On Sports Dev
Nigeria’s most successful tennis player, Nduka Odizor, has appealed to the Ministry of Youths and Sports to have an implementable blueprint for sports development in the country.
Odizor, who reached his highest Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) singles of world number 52 ranking in June 1984, said that there were not enough implementable sports programmes in Nigeria.
“Over the years it is only written down documents that we follow, it is high time we stopped that.
“What we need now are theories and ideas that will work. Enough of these thoughts written down that are never implemented,’’ he said.
Odizor, who is fondly called the “Duke’’ by his fans, said that athletes were suffering from “this setback because we are behind other countries that we started with in sports.
“The ministry has more work to do because it is in charge of sports development.
“From the way I see it, the ministry should seek opinions from stakeholders and also be open to advice from knowledgeable sports managers’’.
He was quick to note that positioning of ex-sportsmen and women in sports administration would be of great importance in getting the nation’s sports on the right path.
“If we can bring in experienced hands that had been competing in their fields to sport administration, it will be a lot easier.
“This will be so because they had once been in the shoes of the current athletes and know how to cater for them.
“Their past experiences will be used to ensure that athletes get the best treatment because it’s when the athletes are well taken care of that the best can be got from them,’’ he said.
Odizor decried the state of sports facilities at the national stadia.
“I am not happy with how the stadia are. They have been undermanaged and to the detriment of the athletes who are supposed to be training in them.
“Athletes need good and functional facilities to aid their training,’’ the ex-international player said.
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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