Sports
Egbesemirone Sets Junior Fencing Championship Record
Nigerian Junior Fencer, Egbesemirone Oritsematosan, has etched his name in Nigerian history by becoming the first on the podium for the Cadet, Junior, Fencing Championships, after winning a bronze in Lagos.
Tidesports source reports that Nigerian fencers had their first time experience in fencing at the 8th ongoing championships at Molade Okoya-Thomas Sports Hall, Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos.
The maiden competition held in Nigeria was made possible by the Nigeria Fencing (NF), led by its President, Adeyinka Samuel.
Egbesemirone ranked 7th at the tournament and was able to rake up 21 points to win the bronze.
Nigeria has yet to participate in any Junior Fencing Championships but put up a good fight in the Male Category with Egbesemirone and Casper Soyoye leading the pack.
In the female category, Nigeria has also qualified for the semi-finals where they lost to Togo but were rewarded with a bronze.
Speaking on Nigeria’s success at the tournament, the Technical Director, Nigeria Fencing, Haastrup Ehekokaye, lauded Nigeria for winning the medal.
“What we are doing is to have a good structure on ground for fencing to thrive in Nigeria. We are happy for this feat and it is a great feeling for us.
“The tournament is a great achievement for us, bringing us to the limelight in Africa. We may not have been where we want to be, but things are gradually taking shape.
“Ours is a growing federation and we have been putting heads together making sure that the sport comes to limelight; on the basis of this we want to put up a good structure.
“The growth of fencing in Nigeria is slow, but nonetheless, we will like to have it in an international circuit where we will compete favourably,’’ he said.
Egbesemirone, who said he was happy to have won a bronze in the championships, declared: “It was a pleasant experience for me.
“I am very happy with the bronze medal, I have had a pleasant experience coming for the championships.”
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.