Sports
Inadequate Funding Hampers School Sports Festivals-NSSF
President, Nigeria School Sports Federation (NSSF), Malam Ibrahim Mohammed, says inadequate funding from the Federal Government has hindered the federation from organising school sports festivals.
Mohammed said this in an interview with news men in Lagos yesterday.
Tidesports source reports that school sports had in the past produced the best of sports men/women in the country, such as Mary Onyeali, the Ezinne brothers, Yusuf Ali among others.
“The problem of not having the festival is that the country will not be able to discover new talents, and that is how the whole sports of this country has been eroded.
“Without state governments taking turns to host school sports festivals, we survives based on what government decides be it at the federal or state level.
“For almost four years we have not had this festival, it’s so unfortunate, apart from the corporate bodies that have their own competitions, we need to do more,’’ he said.
He noted that there could be no genuine grassroots development without paying attention to NSSF.
“Because the younger ones are not given chance to display their talents how can we replace them.
“So, obviously those old athletes that are fading out may not have replacement.
“So, obviously in the nearest future, you will discover that Nigeria will continue to go down than where we are now.
“It is very clear that the position of the country in sports now is not like what it used to be in the 1970s and 1980’s when the country was known all over the world.
“Nigeria is falling in sports, now you can see our performance at the international competitions, and even in the Africa soccer games, we are going down continuously.
Tidesports reports that the 2015 edition was held in Ortukpo, Benue, and Cross River won the competition.
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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