Sports
NCF Releases Final List For Camping
The Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF) has released the names of 25 Players who will go into a 1 Week intensive preparation Camp to be led by newly appointed head coach, Asanka Gurusinha, to further fortify preparation for the Africa Cricket Qualifiers ( ACQ) coming up next year in Kenya.
This camping period follows the Intra-Squad Triangular Series that was played over the course of last week which involved 36 of the best players from around the country.
This was disclosed yesterday by the Head Coach, Rivers State Cricket Association, Tonye Timinadi.
According to him, the players are expected to be put through their paces by Asanka and his assistants and the coach will hopefully get a closer look at the players who he has seen play only a handful of times.
Nigeria U-19s trio of Rasheed Abolarin, Jimoh Adulrahaman and Taiwo Mohammed shone like a million stars with the new ball. Left-arm seamer Taiwo particularly troubled batsmen and ended the series with an economy of 3.75. Amazing figures for a T20 series especially for someone who bowled exclusively during the powerplay overs.
The dynamic Vincent Adewoye led the run-scorers charts followed closely and unsurprisingly by Sesan Adedeji and Skipper Josh Ayannaike.
Daniel Gim, usually considered a more suitable fit for the longer format displayed good intelligence to get amongst the runs at a not too shabby strike rate.
“Missing from the list is Seye Olympio whose time in the National Team seems to be well and truly over and Mustapha Yussuff who was unable to make it to camp due to other commitments. Segun Olayinka who last played for Nigeria about half a decade ago has been brought back into the fold,”
“Despite not making the final cut, the 11 players who have been left out must surely have enjoyed mixing it with the best in the country and will definitely be better for the experience,” coach Timinadi said.
Meanwhile, the Final list of 25 players, includes: Joshua Ayannaike, Runsewe Sulaimon, Daniel Ajekun, Gashon Yusuf, Sesan Adedeji, lsaac Okpe, Sylvester Okpe, Chimezie Onwuzulike, Vincent Adewoye, Chima Akachukwu, Jimoh Abdulrahman, Daniel Gim, Peter Aho, Abolarin Abdulrashed, Ifeanyi Uboh, Taiwo Mohammed, Leke Oyede, Danladi Isaac, Joel Joseph, Elijah Olaleye Nzube Nwokike, Boniface Emmanuel, Akhere Isesele, Olayinka Segun and Odion Isesele.
It would be recalled that 36 players were invited to National camp last Month for screening and selection to prepare for the task ahead.
By: Nancy Briggs
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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