Sports
AFN Assures Athletes Of International Competitions
The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) has assured athletes of participation in international competitions that would enhance their preparations for the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, Australia and other world meets.
The Technical Director of AFN, Sunday Adeleye, gave the assurance in an interview with newsmen in Abuja as the two-day All-Comers Athletics Championship ended on Saturday.
Tidesports source gathered that contrary to Nigeria’s athletics season beginning in January, the new AFN board has ensured that it will henceforth begin in November of every year with the 2017/2018 season holding on November 24 and November 25.
Adeleye said the event and other local and international competitions to be organised by the board would ensure that only the best athletes would be opportune to represent the nation in international meets.
“There is no better way to encourage athletes than creating avenues for them to compete and reward good performances. All these are to ensure that our athletes are in A-shape before the Commonwealth Games.
“The more athletes compete, the better for them. They have like three competitions after this ahead of the Commonwealth Games as four athletes will emerge from the All-Comers to go for the Classics.
“Nobody is going to Australia without meeting the AFN standard; we are not going to Australia for a Jamboree.
“We want to go there and surpass the initial medals we had record in Glasgow.
“The calibre of athletes we have are young, so they can showcase their talents and start getting in shape for international competitions,’’ he said.
The board member also said that the Golden Leagues and other competitions would be held to get the best team for the nation.
Adeleye added that all were being done to ensure that the nation got the best set of athletes to represent it at international events.
“There is hotel accommodation and winning bonuses for athletes that do well,’’ he said.
Also, the Sports Commandant, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Titus Ayodele, told newsmen: “AFN has really tried, competition is an avenue for participants to open up their body system for upcoming international competitions.’’
According to Tidesports source, over 200 male and female athletes registered to compete for different categories of track and field events.
The 2018 Commonwealth Games will be held in Gold Coast, Australia between April 4 and April 15.
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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