Sports

Sports Ministry ‘ll Give More Support To NHF – Dalung

Published

7 years ago

December 24, 2018

Minister of Youths and Sports Development, Solomon Dalung has pledged his ministry’s full support to the Nigeria Hockey Federation (NHF) in improving the hockey sport in Nigeria and Africa.
Dalung, who was represented by Olusade Adesola, the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, however commended the present board of the federation.
“I must commend the President and the NHF board members because they have been making sacrifices, in the area of finances, manpower and the way they run around. Their commitment is what has brought success so far.
“We will make effort to support the federation in terms of getting a technical manager and also look into improving the turfs.
“We will do our best to support hockey with all we can and we are pleading with the African Hockey Federation (Afhf) to give us another chance to host a tournament,” he said.
Responding, Simon Nkom, the Acting President of NHF, thanked the ministry for its support towards the success of the hosting of the 2018 edition of the Africa Cup for Club Champions (ACCC).
“We want to also appreciate the minister and the ministry for coming in at the nick of time to save us from what would have been absolutely not a good name.
“Without mincing words, the success of this tournament belongs to the ministry and we want to say ‘a very big thank you’ for coming in at the nick of time.”
He urged the ministry to help the federation get new turfs to resurface the Abuja National Stadium astro-turf pitch, as well as equipment to help develop the national teams.
Nkom added that NHF also needed a technical manager who would help the teams prepare for international tournaments, particularly the Tokyo Olympics qualifying events in 2019.
“Even though we have one of the best facilities in Africa, we still need the support of the ministry in getting a technical manager who will help groom our young talents and prepare us for international tournaments.
“We want the ministry to come to our aid in terms of equipment and most importantly to help us change the surfaces on our pitches so that the beautiful edifice will be able to meet international standard and also be kept in a good shape.”
Seif Ahmed, the President of Afhf, also commended the present NHF administration for its role in the resurgence of Nigerian hockey and called on the government to come to the Federation’s aid.
“I will like to thank the existing board who changed the idea we have in our mind about Nigerian hockey, because in the past it is either they come after the tournament starts or pull out in the last minute and make a mess of the tournament.
“ But that has changed, and now I am calling on the government to help the federation.
“I am really impressed with the pitch I saw during this competition, because in 2003 I was here and to see the pitch in good condition is really impressive.
“But the pitch and stadium needs maintenance and upgrade.

Sports

Inter House Sports Is Where Talents Are Discovered -Rear Admiral Okehie

Published

7 hours ago

March 9, 2026

The Tide

The Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Eastern Naval Command, Rear Admiral Chiedozie Okehie, has said that inter-house sports competition was mainly to discover talents from the grassroots.

According to him, over the years, inter-house sports competition has remained a defining platform for building resilience, confidence, and unity among the students.

Real Admiral Okehie was represented by the executive officer, Nigerian Navy Ship Pathfinder, Navy Captain Muhammad Umar, who said this last Saturday during the 20th Annual Inter-House Sports Competition at the Nigeria Navy Secondary School, Borikiri, Port Harcourt.

He commended the parents and guardians for their sustained trust and partnership, saying that their unique cooperation remains indispensable to the growth of the students and the steady progress of the institution.

He further lauded the hard-working commandant of the school, Navy Captain Chinomso Omezurike, for highlighting the importance of vocational education and entrepreneurial development in the practical skills acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development Programme for the senior secondary three students.

Also speaking, the Commandant of the school, Captain Omezurike, expressed gratitude to the Rivers State Government, as they have built some facilities in the school.

“We specially express our profound gratitude to the State Governor, Sir Siminialayi Fubara, for his visionary leadership and love for the school.”

“This event is not merely a sports gathering, but it represents a strategic investment in youth development.

“Sports remain one of the most effective instruments for sharpening character, promoting discipline, and fostering unity among young people,” he said.

“Thus, competitions such as this adequately prepare students, not only for academic success but also for life’s challenges.

Captain Omezuruike used the opportunity to thank her staff for good work and dedication to duty and expressed appreciation to the parents.

The vice-chairman of the Parents Teachers Association (PTA) of the school, Barr. Anthon Wamah, also commended the excellent performance of the commandant of the school.

By: Kiadum Edookor

Sports

Yenagoa City Set For Maiden 10km Marathon

Published

7 hours ago

March 9, 2026

The Tide

All is now set for the maiden edition of the Yenagoa City International 10KM Race, a landmark sporting event designed to position Bayelsa State as a destination for global sports tourism.

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.

Sports

NSC rewards Ogun State Athlete N3m

Published

14 hours ago

March 9, 2026

The Tide

Director General of National Sports Commission, Bukola Olopde celebrates with the athetes

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.