Sports
Chairman Organises Tennis Coaching Course In PH
Following the dearth of professional tennis coaches in Nigeria, especially in the South-South, the Chairman of Rivers State Tennis Federation, Mr. Isaac Uzorma is organizing and sponsoring an International Tennis Federation (ITF)· approved· Coaches Course Level One in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
Mr. Uzorma, who is a member representing the South-South Zone, Nigeria Tennis Federation (ITF) in a statement said the coaches course will take place at the Board Room of the Tennis Section, Port Harcourt Club, Old GRA from March 1-9, 2017.
, According to him, the course is part of his contribution to the development of tennis in Nigeria, adding that this first level of the ITF coaching course will introduce the participating coaches to modern coaching methodologies, as every facet to human endeavor is technology driven.
“This is the first time such a coaching course will be held in Rivers State. I am doing this to say thank you to the South-South people for the confidence reposed in me by electing me to represent them on the Board of the ITF”, he stated. The Nigeria Tennis Federation (ITF) member also noted that lack of qualified coaches has been a major challenge to those of them who are involved in the game of tennis.
“It is really frustrating to observe that during major tournaments you hardly see any licensed coach from the South. It is regrettable that particularly in Rivers State, there is no ITF certified coach who can read matches and build their players technically,” Uzorma said.
He opined that time has come for all hands to be on deck to collectively uplift those who are into sports, particularly tennis, stressing that the training course which is open to all tennis coaches both in public and private sectors will be handled by an International Tennis Federation approved expert, and promises to be very rewarding and enriching session.
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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