Sports
NYG: Rivers Athletes May Commence Camping In August
The Rivers State Sports Director, Evangelist Ezekiel Ordu has said that the state athletes may go into closed camping in August to further prepare for the 2018 edition of the National Youth Games (NYG), scheduled to hold September in Ilorin, Kwara State.
Ordu disclosed this Monday in an interview with Tidesports in Port Harcourt.
According to him, the state is waiting for a go ahead from the state government to commence camping for the task ahead.
“Though preparations are on, as the various sporting associations in the state have began their preparations for the games which is expected to hold from 7-17 September this year, we hope to go into camping in August. Right now, we are waiting for a go ahead to commence a collective preparations”, he said.
The Director urged the state athletes to keep doing what they were doing and not to relent in their preparations for the fiesta saying that, preparation is a major key to success.
“I want them to keep the good work going as they have worked hard by showing commitment in the training sessions in their different bodies. I know that should this continue they will excel at the NYG in Kwara State”, he added.
On the other hand, the state athletes have promised to represent the state well at the Kwara 2018 NYG.
Ordu explained that school was still in session saying that athletes would need the hostels and campus to make progress in their preparations.
“The athletes to participate for this game are under 16-17 and some of them are yet to go on vacation”, he added.
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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