Sports
Director Lauds AFN Over C’Wealth Games Show
Technical Director, Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), Sunday Adeleye, has said that the Ibrahim Gusau-led board succeeds beyond winning medals at the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Australia by getting into finals in major events.
Adeleye made this known while responding from Gold Coast, Australia, to questions on Nigeria’s performance at the games, yesterday.
Nigeria won two gold medals, two silver medals and a bronze medal at the end of its athletics participation.
“AFN 2018 season’s developmental programmes were put to test at the Gold Coast and we bagged five medals at the Commonwealth Games within five months.
“But beyond medals, we got to finals in major events which we did not near in the last 10 years.
“After 10 years, Nigeria got two men in 100m finals. We had at least, 11 semi-finalists which we had not seen in a long time.
“I felt elated when Jamaican athletics technical director said this is about the first time Nigerian athletes are being professional.
“He wondered what we were doing to get such result. If we can get such results in our first international appearance, it means we can do more,” he said.
Adeleye said work was in progress and that also meant the federation’s plans were working out.
“Before the 2018 Commonwealth Games, national records are being dusted by home-based athletes at national trials and meets.
“Definitely, athletics is on the upward swing in the country,” he said.
On plans to sustain the tempo of improvement in the nation’s athletics, the ex-national athlete said: “Our next target is the African Senior Championships that will be held in Asaba, Nigeria.
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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