Sports
Team Rivers Cyclists Decry Medal Loss At NYG
Team Rivers Cyclists have decried the loss of two gold medals at the on-going 2017 National Youth Games (NYG) in Ilorin, Kwara State.
This was disclosed yesterday in a telephone chat with head coach of the Rivers State Cycling Association, Miebake Aggo, who led the team to the competition.
According to him, the team has already missed two events which would have given them two gold, had his team been there at the fixed date.
“I am not happy that we missed those two medals, Rivers cyclists are known as the best and also, have an unbeaten records to maintain but, that is by the corner, now we can only do our best to defend our title as we compete for the remaining events of the competition”, Aggo said.
The Cycling boss attributed the loss to the delay in their arrival to the host state of the NYG at the scheduled dates adding that, this would surely demoralise the athletes.
“It is true that we have finally arrived at Ilorin, but there is nothing as beginning on ground, begin the competition with others. It makes one feel the sense of belonging more than fighting to meet up with others”, he added.
However, the athletes are determined to defend and sustain the title won at the past edition of the competition as they are poised to achieve their target, of securing the title once again.
It would be recalled that Team Rivers Cyclists are defending Champions of the NYG in the sport.
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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