Sports
Young Tennis Star Targets International Circuit
Young tennis player Rebecca Ekpenyong has said that her ambition is to play tennis at the International level.
Little Ekpenyong who made this known in a chat with Tidesports after Training session at the Anchorage Sports Club, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Rivers Port Complex, Port Harcourt stated that aside from her educational pursuit, she Is interested in becoming number one tennis player in Nigeria, Africa and in the World.
According to her, she had intensified her training in order to achieve her heart desire.
She expressed optimism that having won so many tournaments in the country and beyond, she would excel with necessary assistance from government, Corporate organisation and sports-loving spirited individuals, and appealed for sponsorship to achieve her dream.
Rebecca Ekpenyong hinted that she is leaving no stone unturned to become the world number one female tennis player as she currently prepares to play in the senior category of the National Sports Festivals, having appeared three times in the junior cadre, and to move on to represent the country in All African Games, Common-wealth Games and Olympic Games in the near future, adding that her greatest challenge had been sponsors to attend tournaments abroad and also gain admission to further her education in the United States of America (USA).
She used the forum to commend the Port Manager, Rivers Port Complex, NPA,
Alhaji Abubakar Garba Umar and the management of the Anchorage Sports Club for their encouragement and assistance to train on their tennis court while she is praying and waiting for her dreams to come true.
The Senior Secondary One (SSI) students also thanked her father, Coach Ekpenyong Peter Effiong who is an International Tennis Federation Coach for given her the basic trainings and encouragement, praying God to protect and bless them.
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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