Sports
ECOWAS To Host 2018 Diplomatic Sports In Abuja
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) will host the 2018 Diplomatic Sports Competition, Moses Essien, Chairman, Organising Committee of Diplomatic Sports said.
Essien told newsmen that the event which would hold from October 6 to October 13 at the National Stadium was in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
He added that all member countries were expected to take part in the glamorous championship.
“We have been having meetings with the Europeans Union members, ECOWAS members and Commissions; we want to make the participating country to be well informed about the event.
“We have been working hard to make the second edition more interesting than the first. We have more than 10 sports to feature in this year’s event.
“This platform of diplomatic sports facilitates the strengthening of direct cordial relations between the ECOWAS, European Union, Commissions and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs,’’ he said
Essien said the competition will end on Oct. 13 with a dinner, which would witness the presentation of medals, trophies and other prizes to deserving recipients.
He said the ministry would ensure that participants had a sense of integration and unity which was the guiding spirit of the competition.
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.
-
Business4 days agoNCDMB Signs Mgt Deal With Radisson, Edison…As Board’s 204 Rooms Hotel Open December 2026
-
Business4 days agoNERC Amends Order on Meter Tampering, Power Bypass For Discos
-
Rivers4 days agoKENPOLY Rector Promises To Prioritise Students’ Welfare
-
Business4 days agoNigeria, AFC sign $1.3 billion deal to build alumina refinery
-
Business4 days agoFG engages foreign investors at PEBEC Roundtable on business environment reforms
-
Sports4 days agoYenagoa City Set For Maiden 10km Marathon
-
Sports4 days agoInter House Sports Is Where Talents Are Discovered -Rear Admiral Okehie
-
Sports5 days agoBeyond Limits Intensify NPFL Return