Sports
LG Boss Harps On Grassroots Sports Dev
Chairman, Afikpo South Local Government Area of Ebonyi, Chief Eni-Uduma Chima says grassroots sports development is critical for discovering and harnessing potential sporting talents.
Chima spoke, yesterday at Ekoli-Edda, after handing over a trophy to the Amaeke Football Club, winner of the 2018 edition of the Ekoli-Umunna Football Association (EUFA)’s organised tournament.
Chima commended the organisers of the tournament and the teams that participated in the soccer fiesta, describing sports as an instrument for peace building and unity.
He called on governments at all levels, sports lovers as well as wealthy individuals to invest in grassroots sports development to uncover hidden sporting talents.
“The essence of this annual football tournament is to promote peace, unity among the communities that participate in the soccer fiesta and provide recreation to citizens who came home for Christmas and New Year celebrations.
“Our people value this competition more than the English Premier League or the European Champions League.
“The competition gives us opportunity to look at the people playing in the tournament and pick potential football talents from there.
“The grassroots soccer competition which started 29 years ago has led to the discovery of football stars of international repute, including the likes of late Chief Kalu Idikaku – Pele – a former captain of the Nigerian Green Eagles,’’ Chima said.
The council chairman, who paid tribute to the founding fathers of the football competition, promised to ensure the continuity of the annual soccer event.
He promised to plant grasses at the pitch of Egbegbu mini stadium, Ekoli-Edda to enhance general infrastructure at the mini-stadium.
Chima also addressed the crowd of spectators who thronged to watch the final match, urging them to participate actively in the 2019 general elections.
He urged members of the community who were yet to collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to ensure that they collect them to enable them exercise their civic responsibility.
He said that the council would assist members of the community resident in different parts of the country to come home and vote by providing them with free transportation during the forthcoming 2019 general elections.
The council chairman informed the indigenes of the various developmental projects undertaken by Gov. Dave Umahi and called for their continued support for the governor’s re-election.
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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