Sports
SWAN Congratulates D’Tigress On AfroBasket Success
The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has said that the success of the national women basketball team, D’Tigress, at the FIBA Women’s AfroBasket 2017 in Bamako, Mali was heart-warming.
The association, in a statement by its Secretary-General, Olawale Alabi, said it was “an ample evidence of what Nigeria can achieve in the world of sports with adequate planning, proper motivation and good selection of players’’.
It urged both the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports and Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) to improve upon this to ensure the team replicate the AfroBasket performance at the World Cup in 2018’’.
Tidesports source gathered that D’Tigress had brushed aside all opposition, including subduing Senegal 65-48 in the final match, to win the title for the third time.
This victory means Nigeria will alongside Senegal represent Africa at the world championship in France in 2018.
“With this, D’Tigress have proven once again that they are among the best, and this was only proven because we all did the right things.’’
“However, we call on the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports and the NBBF to ensure their early preparation for the world championship.
“As the watchdog in the sports sector, our appeal is for the ladies to be appreciated for making Nigeria proud, while concerted efforts should be put in place to ensure they lack nothing when they face the rest of the world,’’ the statement said.
SWAN, in the same statement, also congratulated Nigeria’s women volleyball team for qualifying for the Africa Championship scheduled for October at Yaoundé in Cameroon.
The team overcame Ghana and hosts Cote D’Ivoire in a round robin contest in Abidjan.
The Association similarly saluted the efforts of Team Nigeria at the just-concluded 2017 Senior World Wrestling Championships where Odunayo Adekuoroye won an unprecedented silver medal.
SWAN then said the victory of D’Tigress in Mali should serve as motivation for the Super Eagles.
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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