Sports
12th All Africa Games: Four Athletes For Lagos Judo Trials
The Lagos State Judo Association, yesterday said four athletes will represent the state at national trials organised by the Nigeria Judo Federation ahead of the 12th All African Games.
Tunde Salawu, secretary of the association, told newsmen that the trials would hold between June 7 and June 9 at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos.
Salawu said the athletes were invited by the federation to select athletes that would represent the country at the Games, scheduled for Aug. 19 to Aug. 30 in Rabat, Morocco.
The athletes are Olumide Adetipe, Akintunde Samson, Akintunde Adewunmi, Adeyanju Bukola and Kafayat Adepoju.
“Four of our athletes have been invited by the national federation to be part of the national trials in preparation for the 12 All African Games and they will all participate in the senior category,’’ he said.
Salawu added that the Chairman of the association, DCP Tunji Disu has approved a three-day training camp for the athletes to enhance their performance at the trials.
He said that the athletes resumed camping, yesterday at the National Stadium, under the supervision of the Lagos State Judo Coaches, to sharpen their skills.
“The training camp would go a long way to boost their chances to represent the country at the Games,’’ 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.