Sports
ITF Trainees Laud Organisers
Trainees in the on-going International Tennis Federation (ITF) approved tennis coaches course level I in Port Harcourt have hailed the organisers of the training as it has enabled them have the knowledge of new techniques, rules and regulations of the game in line with international standard.
The trainees who barred their minds in a chat with Tidesports at Port Harcourt tennis court yesterday said they were impressed with the International Tennis Federation (ITF) Instructor, Rotimi Akinloye, who is painstakingly coaching them on the modern techniques of the game.
According to them, with what they have learnt, they would go back and impart the knowledge as Grade level I coaches to junior and senior players of all categories.
They opined that such coaching courses should be a continuous one inorder to refresh their memories and keep them abreast with the modern trend of the game certified as they are now coaches.
Alex Victor, who based in Port Harcourt said the training was good and encouraging as it would enable him to know how to bring up beginners and how to guide those who are already in the game, and commended the organizing crew for a job well done.
Another trainee, Dagogo Atorudibo described the coaching course as the best as it has opened his eyes to the different levels of trainings among children and adults and also thanked the organisers.
Okudile Jonathan from Aba, Abia State said, “it is encouraging and I did not even expect it like this, but from what I have seen, it is something every future tennis players and coaches should aspire and involve in the course”, adding that all the trainees are happy with the outcome.
A Lagos based tennis players, Alayoki Olarenwaju noted that it was an eye-opener to improve his level and standard in tennis as he had gained a lot from instructor Akintoye, promising to impart the knowledge to others.
The professional tennis player solicited for its continuity and also gave kudos to the organizer, saying “It is a welcomed development “.
Some notable tennis players at the training course include, one time Nigeria number one player, Sunday Maku, the co-ordinator Kodak Tennis Academy, Stella Epegu, Port Harcourt Club tennis champion, Emma Afangide, Nigeria Port Authority (NPA) Port Harcourt number one player, Peter Ekpeyong, a state tennis coach, Kiri among others.
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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