Sports
‘D’Tigress Needs Quality Preparation For Tokyo 2020’
Despite losing by 70-64 points to Serbia in their second group match at the FIBA Women’s Olympic Qualifying Tournament, Coach Otis Hughley, believes with adequate preparation, D’Tigress has the wherewithal to stun any of the top teams at Tokyo 2020 in Japan.
The excited coach was particularly thrilled by the response of the Nigerian ladies in the final quarter of the tie against Serbia on Saturday, describing it as ‘awesome’ display.
“We had one day full training before this tournament and even when we won the Afrobasket in Senegal, we had only 10 days training and with the way these kids played against the Serbians, I believe with enough and quality preparation for the Olympic Games, this team can beat any of the top teams in the world.
“I am particularly impressed with their belief even when they were down from the second quarter. At a time, the Serbians were leading by 16points and they were able to cut it to six. This for me is a good spirit and performance from this team,” Hugley said at the post-match press conference,’’ the coach said.
The American tactician described the Serbian side as one of the top five teams in the world, while acknowledging the quality of the Europeans but he lauded his lads for their display.
For Serbia’s Sonja Vasic, D’Tigress’ physicality nearly scuttled their win. “They (Nigeria) are a very physical team more so that they had nothing to lose against us. It was a hard game for us and we were a bit tired towards the end of the game and this caused us a lot in the last quarter that we started making some mistakes. But I must also commend their Nigerian team for their display,” she 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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