Sports
Muslim Athletes Undergo Extra Training For Lost Period – Adeniji-Adele
A Lagos-based Kickboxing coach, Adegboyega Adeniji-Adele, yesterday said Muslim athletes under his supervision would undergo extra training to cover for period they lost due to the just concluded Ramadan.
Adeniji-Adele told newsmen in Lagos that the extra training became necessary as all athletes were expected to compete in the proposed national championships very soon.
”The Ramadan observed by all Muslims did not always allow our Muslim athletes to participate in our training then , so we permit them to participate in the compulsory religious obligation .
”Now that the fast is over, training will commence in full gear but our Muslim athletes will be subjected to extra activities as part of the measures to makeup for lost days.
”Besides, some international tournaments are coming later this year and the federation is planning a national event soon to select athletes that will represent the country,” he said.
He said that the schedule would be centred on refreshing athletes memory on current fighting techniques and to bring them at par with their peers who were training while they were observing the Ramadan.
Coach Adeniji-Adele added that the athletes were expected to be abreast of current fighting techniques in national championships by sharpening their skills for the task ahead.
“We need to regularly keep athletes abreast of the obtainable and that we maintained during the Ramadan without our Muslim athletes, and all our athletes are aspiring to compete in the proposed national championships.
”It will be a credit to a good coach to see that all athletes under him excel in championships, so I am inspired to go the extra mile for all my athletes,” he added.
It would be recalled that during Ramadan, Muslims were under obligation to fast for 30 days.
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.