Sports
Coach Lauds Muaythai Boss Over Immense Contributions
The Head coach, Rivers State Karate Association, Leader Yacob K.E Davied, has commended the president of the Muaythai Federation, Engr. Paul Eguonu for his contributions and support towards the sports.
Coach Davied, who is also chief referee, Muaythai Federation, made the commendation yesterday during an interview with Tidesports in Port Harcourt.
According to him, Eguonu has contributed immensely to the growth of the sports, in terms of logistics, welfare and release of funds for athletes and officials to take part in competitions both at the state and national levels.
“The president of the Muaythai Federation has no doubt to continue to motivate and support the body to greater heights, l pray the Lord to reward his good works towards the growth of the sports and replenish his pocket,” Coach Davied prayed.
“Engineer Paul Eguonu, took care all officials of the state and federation by providing logistics and welfare for them to attend the recently concluded National Youth Games (NYG) in llorin, Kwara State,” coach Davied .
However, the Muaythai Federation, which went for demonstration at the NYG was not allowed to demonstrate at the competition, was rather given an opportunity to meet with the board of directors of sports from across the federation to further explain the sports.
“We were asked to explain the sports, it’s rules, regulations and how it’s officiated, this is to enable us get approval for the sport as scoring, so as to participate in subsequent edition of the National Sports festival, (NSF) and the National youth Games, (NYG),” he explained.
Also, it was expected that the directors having listened to the explanation which was accompanied by a brief demonstration by the chief referee of the Muaythai Federation, Leader Yacob K. E. Davied, the board would take the message to the Minister of Sports, Mr. Sunday Dare for approval to enable them take part in the next editions.
It would be recalled that the sport has demonstrated three times as required by the ministry of sports and youth development by any sports before given approval for scoring in any major competition in the country.
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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