Sports
I’m Optimistic Of Better 2019 -Olympic Medalist
In spite of enduring rehabilitation from an ankle injury sustained in 2018, a triple jump silver medallist at the 2018 Youth Olympic Games (YOG),Oritsemeyiwa Ineh says he is optimistic of a better 2019.
The recuperating athlete placed second at the YOG in Argentina by leaping a mark of 16.34m.
Ineh told newsmen, yesterday in Lagos that the setback had not in any way dampened his optimism of a quick recovery from the injury.
“My 2019 season by the special grace of God will be awesome, I’m very optimistic about that though I’m still under rehabilitation now, going through all of the pains alone with my coach from an injury I sustained representing my country.
“I represented my country in more than four competitions in 2018 and won medals.
“My gradual recuperation is enough motivation for me that 2019 season will be great, I have few more weeks before I will be fit to resume training, but I need all the support that I can get,’’ he said.
Ineh, who also won a gold medal for the country at the 2018 ECOWAS Region II Competition in Ghana, said that he would not relent in doing his country proud at upcoming competitions in 2019.
He noted that 2018 exposed him to tasking competitions internationally and he was grateful for the experience gained.
Tidesport reports that the YOG silver medalist also represented the country at the 2018 African Youth Games in Algiers and won a gold medal with a mark of 16.22m.
“2018 was my first year of competing internationally, my first international competition was ECOWAS Region II Games which held at Cape Coast, Ghana.
“The experience was superb since it was my first at an international competition, I felt competition atmospheric pressure and tension while competing with athletes from other nations.
“I learnt self-confinement, confidence and an understanding of how to shake-off fear, anxiety tension and pressure during competitions,” he said.
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.