Sports
Over 1,000 Athletes To Attend Cycling Tourney
No less than 1, 000 local and international cyclists are expected to compete in the upcoming “2018 Cycling Lagos’’ in what seems to be one of the biggest cycling event in Nigeria in recent times.
The competition’s chairman, Soji Adeleye, made the disclosure at a news conference to herald the commencement of the two-month activities, at the O’Jezz Place, National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.
Adeleye said that hosting the epochal competition would further affirm Lagos as a hub for sports, tourism and entertainment.
“Cycling Lagos is an international cycling event that promises to be one of the biggest sports, tourism and entertainment event in Nigeria and the entire African continent.
“Lagos is a place of opportunity, well tested and we believe this event will key in to the vision of the government making it one of the biggest economies in Africa.
“Cycling Lagos will traverse an engaging two months of activities between July 7 and August 25, 2018. It will also involve a four-month campaign in social and traditional media.
“Activities for the event include riding tour of Lagos, Lagos Cycling Children Summer Clinic, entertainment and corporate brand exhibition at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere,’’ he said.
Adeleye said that the event would be at its climax with the cycling competition and corporate Lagos dinner on Saturday, August 5, 2018.
“The programme is expected to become an annual event designed for cycling enthusiasts, professionals and corporate organisations in the country.
“Beyond the central idea of encouraging healthy living through regular exercise among corporate executives, the event will champion healthy competition among the corporate organisations.
“The organisations through their preparations are to encourage the public to engage in cycling in their various communities for healthy living.
“Professional cyclists from within and outside the country will be invited to compete for prizes during the annual event,’’ he said.
Adeleye said that the competition would accommodate several varieties and categories meant to spice up the event.
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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