Sports
GOtv Boxing Tourney Produces 20 Boxers
The 4th GOtv Boxing NextGen Search ended in Abeokuta at the weekend on a good note as no fewer than 20 talented young boxers were discovered from the 150 participants.
The programme, which began last Thursday, attracted boxers from Enugu, Abia, Ogun, Oyo and Lagos states as well as Abuja.
The selected boxers were unveiled at the closing ceremony held at Dunkin Pepper Gym, MKO Abiola International Stadium.
Adeyemi Elijah emerged the best boxer of the competition, while next to Elijah, who also displayed extraordinary qualities were Akintayo Aminu and Shogbanmu Waheed.
Speaking at the event, Managing Director, Flykite Productions, Jenkins Alumona,said that the programme was designed to continually oil the wheels of progress of professional boxing in Nigeria.
He said that the competition would unearth talents that could be nurtured from local to international stardom.
He added that Flykite Productions was considering setting up a training camp for long term improvement and education of the boxers selected.
Alumona advised boxers who failed to make the cut not to take their rejection as the end of their dream of becoming professional boxers.
“Boxers selected at the programme will have their boxing licences and pre-licensing medical examination paid for by the sponsors.
“The selected boxers will make their professional debut at the next edition of GOtv Boxing Night,’’ Alumona said.
Meanwhile, the best three boxers got gifts of GOtv decoders, while others also got gifts. The organisers also announced a donation of N50,000 to the Ogun State Boxing Association.
The programme had the attendance of Dr Rafiu Ladipo, the President Nigeria Boxing Board of Control and Remi Aboderin, the Secretary-General and some ex-internationals such as Joe Mensah, Obisia Nwakpa and Jerry Okorodudu.
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.