Sports
Enugu Begins Maintenance Work On Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium
The Enugu State Government has commenced the maintenance of facilities at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, the Commissioner for Youths and Sport, Manfred Nzekwe, has said.
Nzekwe said this yesterday, during an interactive session with newsmen in Enugu, adding that serious work was ongoing at the stadium turf.
He said that the artificial turf had not received any serious work since it was installed in 2009.
He said that the maintenance of the turf was being handled by Reform Sports West Africa Ltd., which installed it, hoping the company would ensure the facility retained its quality.
The company’s Technical Director, Peter Ajila, gave assurance that the turf would wear a new look on completion of the job.
“At the end of the work, players will be comfortable on the pitch because the ball movement will be direct and precise,” Ajila said.
He advised the government to always subject the pitch to examination every six months, in addition to regular maintenance.
The company’s Architect, Mr Ismaila Muhammed, said they were making effort to make the pitch level.
“Due to rainfall, the granules moved toward one side of the pitch which hampers free ball movement.
“We are brushing the pitch at the moment and after that, we will fix it back and that will bring back it to standard.
“There will be free flow of the game after the work so I am optimistic of achieving 99 per cent success of a standard turf.
“What artificial turf needs is constant maintenance. Playing on it without maintenance does not help the turf,” Muhammed said.
The stadium was one of the stadiums approved by the League Management Company for maintenance, repair and upgrade 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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