Sports
Nigerian Kickboxers Receive WKU Certificates
The World Kickboxing Union (WKU) has issued certificates to over 60 males and females in Nigeria, at the just concluded two days seminar organised by WKU in conjunction with Nigeria Kickboxing Association, last weekend, in Port Harcourt.
Speaking during the presentation of the certificates, President of the Union, Nizar Taleb said the Certificate was a road map to participate in other programmes to be held.
According to him, the certificate is in recognition of those who participated in the seminar.
“The Union will organize another practical aptitude test for all those that participated to enable the WKU assess their ability, successful persons will receive the original certificate to qualify them as a professional kickboxer in Nigeria Taleb said.
He revealed that he was the first Nigerian to be appointed into World Kickboxing Association (WKA) in 2013, adding that when it became World Kickboxing Union (WKU) he also became the first President of the union in the country.
Taleb equally stated that he was currently the Nigeria representative in the World Championship coming up in August this year, at Ireland.
Speaking at the seminar, one of the pioneer members of the union, Sensei Amadi expressed joy over the good atmosphere during the programme.
He appealed to the government through the Ministry of Sports to support the new development in kickboxing.
Meanwhile, National Open Kickboxing championship has been scheduled to hold in Port Harcourt from May 5th through 7th this year.
Etengo Dimkpa
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.