Sports
Rwanda Cricket Association Names Female Squad
The Rwanda Cricket Association has released the names of 14 female players that would play against Nigeria in a bilateral series in Abuja.
The Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF) made this known in a statement released at the weekend.
NCF said that the series would hold from January 23 to January 30.
According to the federation, the Rwandan side will play five matches comprising of two 40 overs and three T-20s against the Nigerian team in the bilateral series.
It added that the players selected by the Rwandan officials are Ishimwe Henriette, Iriho Veronique, Bimenyimana Marie-Diane, Muhawenimana Immaculee, Ishimwe Gisele and Uwera Sarah.
Others are Uwamahoro Cathia, Ingabire Sifa, Ikuzwe Alice, Irakoze Flora, Nyirankundineza Josiane, Ishimwe Dusabemungu Diane, Vumiliya Margueritte, and Uwimbabazi Antoinette.
Tidesports source reports that NCF also released the names of 16 players that will fly the nation’s flag against Rwanda.
The federation said that the Nigerian female team has been scheduled by the International Cricket Council (ICC) to participate in the 2019 ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifiers in Zimbabwe.
According to the federation, the qualifiers will hold from May 3 to May 13, and will feature Rwanda, Kenya, Mozambique, Namibia, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, Uganda, and host, Zimbabwe.
NCF said that both countries would use the bilateral series as part of the preparations for the tournament.
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.