Sports
Chairman Calls For Grassroots Tournament
The Organising Committee Chairman for the 2017/2018 Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) talents hunt for under-16 and 17, Ambassador Prince Sylva has said that regular competitions and tournaments will develop sports in Nigeria.
He stated that a competition at the grassroots is an avenue to discover hidden talents adding that most good sportsmen and women are in the rural area rotting away.
Ambassador Sylva made the assertion in an exclusive interview with Tidesports over the weekend at the ongoing NDDC talents hunt football competition at the number one football field, Old Port Harcourt Township.
According to him, the competition was not about winning, but aimed to select the best players that can represent the country in future competitions.
“This NDDC grassroots football competition has discovered players like Elderson Echiejile and others who have represented the country in different competitions.
In fact in the last edition, some players who were discovered are playing in Russia, Sweden and another in Adedi Pele Football academy in Ghana” Sylva stated.
The Chairman commended NDDCA for the confidence reposed in him to organise the tournament.
Also speaking the head coach of Blessed Star Football Academy, Ogbonda Blessed, called on other government agencies to emulate NDDC in terms of sports development.
He noted that the tournament had kept many youths busy, consequently made them to stay out of crime and other social vices.
Kiadum Edookor
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.