Sports
Nigeria Rowing Federation To Select Athletes On Merit
As qualification for the Canoe and Kayak events of the Youth Olympic Games (YOG) approaches, the Nigeria Rowing, Canoe and Sailing Federation (NRCSF) says athletes will be selected based on merit.
Technical Director of NRCSF, Ebenezer Ukwunna said this in an interview with newsmen at the ongoing four-day trials at the Bics Boat Club in Lekki, Lagos last Saturday.
He said the events would ensure the country’s qualification for the Games.
Tidesports source reports that qualification for Canoe and Kayak events of the YOG would hold in Barcelona, Spain in April, while the Africa Youth Games in Algeria will serve as qualifiers for the rowing event.
“Through the trials, the technical crew has been able to identify those we believe have the skills and the talent needed to compete with others at the qualifiers in Spain.
“About 30 players, both male and female, from 10 states, took part in the trials for us to pick the best, based on their performances, to represent the country, the technical director said.
Ukwunna, who did not disclose the number of athletes that would be selected, said those selected on merit would be invited to camp to further sharpen their competitive edge.
“Our target is to ensure that our athletes qualify for the YOG and I strongly believe that with determination and courage, anything is possible.
“Final preparations will commence soon and I expect the athletes to prepare their minds for the tasks ahead, he said.
Tidesports source reports that the 2018 Summer Youth Olympics will hold from October 6 to October 20 in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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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