Sports
D’Tigress Players Attribute Performance To Better Welfare
D’Tigress players have hinged their amazing run at the 2017 FIBA Women Afrobasket on a better welfare package plan put in place by the Engineer Musa Kida led Nigeria Basketball Federation during their preparation for the competition.
The team which camped at prestigious Protea Hotel, in Lagos and paid their camp allowances before the commencement of the competition acknowledged that such gesture was strange to them, which in no small way boosted their morale.
With the necessary motivation put in place, the players are determined to go all out and do the country proud by winning the tournament and booking a ticket to the 2018 World cup in Spain.
These were the sentiments shared by RC Celta Vigo of Spainpoint guard, Sarah Ogoke and Nkechi Akashili of Elephant Girls basketball of Lagos after their impressive run in the group stage of the competition.
Ogoke who was part of the 2015 Afrobasket campaign in Cameroon and the 2016 Olympic qualifiers in Nantes, France said the D’Tigress team has never had it so good where camp allowances were paid as at when due.
She commended the new board for doing everything humanly possible to motivate the team during their camping exercise in Lagos and the prompt payment of camp allowances few days after arriving in Bamako.
“I can definitely say that the new board has been working very hard to keep us focused on basketball which is a blessing and I hope that we can continue to do things the right way and improve, increase and raise the standard of Nigerian basketball.”
In her opinion, if the momentum can be sustained, it will not only turn Nigeria’s basketball fortune around in Africa, but will make the country a force to reckon with at the world stage with players more committed than ever.
According to Akashili, nothing works better in motivating players for any major competition than prompt payment of allowances and bonuses despite their willingness to serve their fatherland.
She explained that the conducive training exercise which saw the team camped in Protea Hotel and payment of camping allowances a day before departing the shores of Nigeria for the competition has ensured that the players have nothing to worry about apart from playing basketball and making the country proud.
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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