Sports
Qualifying For 2020 Tokyo Won’t Make Me Relent – Ekewvo
A student-athlete at the University of Florida, United States, Raymond Ekevwo, yesterday said that his 2020 Olympic qualification would not deter him from being focused and hardworking.
Ekewvo, who ran 10.02 seconds at the South Eastern Conference (SEC) Championships in May, told newsmen on telephone that he needed to work harder to ensure he became a world-class athlete.
The qualification standard for the 100m men and women are 10.05 seconds and 11.15 seconds respectively.
“The key thing for me is to continue to be focused and hardworking, that has always been a major part of my life.
“I know that I have to work 10 times harder than most people out there to become a world-class athlete,’’ he said.
Tidesports source reports that the South Eastern Conference includes universities across the South and Mid-South in the 11 states that span from South Carolina to Texas.
The Criminology major student said that he was grateful for his qualification, as it was every athlete’s dream to participate in the Olympics.
“It’s every athlete’s dream to go to the Olympics, so, I am grateful and excited about the qualification.
“Nothing is going to change for me though, I will keep doing what I have always been doing, live life and try to stay in shape,’’ he said.
Ekevwo, a 2016 Nigerian 100m junior champion, said that it was both interesting and tough being a student-athlete, saying that he was grateful to the school for trying to make things easier.
“Being a student-athlete is interesting but it’s tough. The University of Florida provides a platform to ensure that student-athletes get organised and stay organised,’’ he said.
Reacting to where he sees himself in the next five years, he said, “I don’t know where I see myself; the future will speak for itself. I’m just focused on what’s in front of me right now.”
Also reacting to his success in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) championships, he said that he tried to stay healthy and trust the system.
“I tried to stay healthy and trusted my coach the whole season. I did not really have any target in mind because I knew that if I am healthy, I will be able to pull some strings,” 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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