Sports
Lagos Squash Association Focuses On Grassroots Dev
Chairman, Lagos State Squash Association, Tomi Falase yesterday said that the association’s focus would be mainly on grassroots development of the sport this year.
Falase told newsmen in Lagos that the development of squash at the professional level was hinged on its growth at the grassroots.
He said that the grassroots development of the game was aimed at its long-term goal.
“Our focus is to ensure that we as a body do our utmost best to ensure that we have a sustainable grassroots developmental programme that will ensure that we catch them young.
“It is important that we focus on that cadre at the moment so that we do not suffer a drought of top class players in years to come.
“We want to ensure continuity and a seamless transition of players from one level to another,’’ the chairman said.
Falase, however, noted that in as much as the association was concerned about the grassroots development, periodic training and assessment would also be important for coaches.
“We understand the fact that a player is as good as his or her coach, therefore, we intend to re-educate and also reorientate the custodians of these young players.
“The truth is that we have very talented coaches here and sincerely we appreciate what they have done so far for Lagos State, but we definitely can do more as a family,’’ he said.
The chairman also told newsmen that because of the forthcoming 2019 elections, the associations’ programmes would kick-off at the end of the first quarter.
“Our programme is ready, though we are not ready to let the cat out of the bag yet, but by ending of March, when the election must have being winding up, we will start our programmes.
“A little diversion from what we had last year is that we are including a lot of junior championships, we are still deliberating on the time frame,” Falase said.
He urged parents and guardians to ensure that their children and wards choose a vocation like playing the game because of the discipline the sport instills in the players.
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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