Sports
‘Facilities In Ebonyi,Good To Host National Teams’
Ebonyi State is ready to host matches involving the national teams as well as other competitions because it has the facilities to host such events, a state government official said last Saturday.
The state’s Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, Charles Akpuenika, said the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and other sports bodies should look the state’s way when taking decisions on hosting events.
“The facilities at the Pa Ngele Oruta Stadium are of international standard and the fans are very passionate about football and other sports events,’’ he told Tidesports source in Abakaliki.
“The players and officials who participated in the just-ended South-East/South-South Pre-Season Football Challenge gave eloquent testimonies about facilities at the stadium and we wish to draw NFF’s attention to this fact.
“We appeal to the Amaju Pinnick-led NFF to organise some of its engagements in the state and not concentrate on having most of national teams’ matches in one geo-political zone,” he added.
The commissioner urged the NFF to recall that a letter was sent to it by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) some time ago, asking it to come and inspect facilities at the stadium.
“We are eagerly waiting for NFF’s response on the invitation as we have better facilities than the stadiums which host national teams’ matches and other national sports competitions.
“The state government spent millions of Naira to renovate the stadium and other sports facilities in the state and we intend to put these facilities into good use.
“Facilities at the stadium have been upgraded and they include a good pitch, 500 KVA and 350 KVA stand-by generators for steady power supply, regular water supply, exquisite VIP stand, among others,” he said.
Akpuenika added that it was a blessing for the state to have produced the Senate Committee Chairman on Sports, Obinna Ogba.
He said the state was hopeful his influence would help to attract such matches and competitions to the state.
Patrick Ngwaogu, Coordinator of the South-East/South-South Pre-Season Football Challenge, supported Akpuenika’s contention, saying the stadium could host any competition.
“The stadium can host any type of tournament or competition, and I am confident that competitions such as the one we organised would let the world know that such a stadium exists in Abakaliki.
“Hosting of competitions in the stadium will also eliminate the apathy displayed by fans during the competition we hosted. That was one of our findings during the competition,” he said.
Adenrele Moses, the coach of Abia Warriors Football Club of Umuahia, one of the participants in the competition, described the Pa Ngele Oruta Stadium as impressive.
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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