Sports
Seven-Year-Old German-Nigerian Shines In 10km Race
A seven-year-old German-Nigeria born girl, Lorelay Holzendorff, at the weekend took the shine off the other elite athletes when she came 7th with a time of 1:40mins at the second edition of the annual Owan Marathon race.
A primary four student, Holzendorff, told newsmen that she had been training as a long distance runner since the age of three.
”I want to be a long distance athlete, and my ambition is to compete at the international long distance in future,” she said.
The elites race, which was dominated by athletes from outside Owan saw the winner of the first Edition, Gabriel Adewale finishing 3rd in the overall position with a time of one hour nine minutes.
Tidesports reports that this year’s edition was won by Edetanlen Moses with a time of 58 minutes 40 seconds, while Davidson Oluafi came second with a time of one hour two minutes.
Okosun Osamudiamen, who ran a time of one hour five minutes, came third position in the male category of the race.
Similarly, Kingsley Asede won the female category with a time of one hour six minutes, followed closely by Ikerede Peace, one hour 16 minutes and Fidelis Faith, one hour 19 minutes, to finish second and third respectively.
Chairman, Edo State Sports Commission, Mr Godwin Dudu-Orumen, who commended the organisers of the race, said the state government placed high premium on sports.
He said this was why the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium was being renovated while 20 other mini stadia were being built across the 18 Local Government Areas of the state to engage the youth in sporting activities.
The Chairman of Owan West local government, Mr Frank Ilaboya said the council would collaborate with sport organisations who were ready to constructively engage the youth in sporting activities.
“The best way to curb social vices is through engagement, our priority as a council is youth empowerment and we will support anybody willing to partner us in this direction,’’ 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.
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