Sports
Team Nigeria Assures Better Performance In AYG
Director, Department of Grassroots Sports Development, Ministry of Youths and Sports, Mr. Ademola Are, has expressed optimum that Team Nigeria would perform better at the 2018 African Youth Games (AYG) in Algeria.
Are told Tidesports source in Abuja that Nigeria would take part in 23 sports at the games.
He said that the ministry was working hard to open camping this month (May), ahead of the games slated to hold from July 19 to July 28 in Algeria.
Are said that the camp would hold in four centres: Abuja, Lagos, Kaduna and Jos, adding that, the centres were carefully chosen because of their peculiarities.
“Nigeria is expected to storm Algeria in full force, to ensure that we come out successfully.
“We want to be at least, in the first three nations at the games. The camp is going to be at a stretch and from the camp we move to Algeria for the games.
“We are putting all arrangements in place to ensure the camp will open soonest. We are looking at 23 sports to give all athletes of age 15 years the opportunity to excel,’’ he said.
Are said that about 200 athletes would be participating in the AYG, adding that AYG was a developmental programme and a qualification for Youths Olympics.
“Nigeria stands a very good chance in this AYG and I can tell you that we will do well, even in swimming that people think Nigeria is not doing well.
“We will do well in all the sports. I can assure you. The last edition of AYG we came third, that is why we want to maintain our stand and probably surpass it.
“We have been doing very well in the youth games since its inception and we hope to build on our successes,’’
The director noted that the games had continued to help Nigeria to grow her athletes to become better.
“AYG is a developmental programme, most of our athletes in the 2018 Commonwealth Game were grown through this process, some were identified two years again from the National Youth Games in Ilorin.
“It is a gradually process, it is not something that we can wake up today and say we will start winning medal at the Olympics.
“One has to go through this process; graduating from one step to another and God’s willing, we will get there”.
Are said that with Nigerian youth performance at various championships, Nigeria would make great impact in the next four to five years in sports around the world.
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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