Sports
Ondo Athletes’ Performance Excites Commissioner
The Commissioner for Youths and Sports in Ondo State, Saka Yusuf-Ogunleye, on Monday described the state contingent’s performance at the just-concluded National Youth Games (NYG) in Ilorin as satisfactory.
Yusuf-Ogunleye told newsmen in Akure that he was happy with the performance and was hopeful it would lead to greater feats for the state.
“Out of 34 states, we came third. I am satisfied with the performance of our athletes and coaches.
“We will, as a result of this, begin preparations for the next edition of the Games immediately,’’ he said.
Tidesports source gathered reports that Ondo State finished third with 12 gold, 12 silver and 12 bronze medals, behind second-placed Akwa Ibom which had 16 gold, 15 silver and 15 bronze medals.
Delta won the games with 21 gold, 16 silver and 23 bronze medals to retain the overall trophy.
Yusuf-Ogunleye further said the state would also prepare for other sports events by ensuring the training and re-training of coaches and athletes.
Reflecting on the National Youth Games, the commissioner described the games as a good concept, adding that it would help the country to discover talents at a very tender age.
He then suggested that the Games should be staged very often in order to continue to develop young athletes.
Yusuf-Ogunleye praised the state governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, for ensuring the release of funds for the Games, saying he was happy that the athletes did not disappoint him (Akeredolu).
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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