Sports
‘Adekunle Ajasin Varsity Ready For NUGA Challenge’
A sports instructor with Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, Mary Olalusi, yesterday said that the institution would be battle-ready to compete for honours at the 26th edition of the Nigeria University Games Association (NUGA) Games.
Tidesports source reports that the University of Lagos (UNILAG) got the nod ahead of the University of Jos to host the 2019 edition scheduled for later in the year.
She said that the university was doing all it could to present the best athletes for the NUGA Games, adding that they would compete in Football, Judo, Table Tennis, Tennis, Volleyball, Handball and Basketball.
“We have had our own games and we will be preparing well for the NUGA Games. In Ondo State, we do have our own higher institutions Games.
“It is a competition that we are hoping to go for in August, it is also for all the students in Ondo State and we will use it as a stepping stone to NUGA.
“We hope to have a strong squad that will compete in Football, Judo, Table Tennis, Tennis, Volleyball, Handball and Basketball.
“If we can do well at the state level of the Games, why can’t we replicate that in NUGA? We hope to surpass the past records,’’ she said.
Olalusi said that sports administration could be improved upon with the collaboration of academics through researches and theoretical knowledge.
“There are needs for researches and theoretical knowledge to make a difference in sports administration. Sports are now different from what they used to be, they are now more analytical.
“There is a great impact of theoretical knowledge of sports, this cannot be over emphasised because it is now growing to become everybody’s affairs.
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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