Sports
Nigeria Tennis Federation Unveils 2021 Events
The Nigeria Tennis Federation (NTF) has unveiled its 2021 activities aimed at enhancing the development of the game in the country.
The Secretary General of the Federation, Dayo Abulude, said on Wednes-day in Abuja that the Federation would be organisimg various local tournaments, as well as participate in international competitions.
He said these would include wheelchair interna-tional tournaments’ World Qualifiers, and the International Tennis Federation (ITF) World Tennis Junior, scheduled for March in Portugal.
The NTF Secretary-General added that the annual Tombim Open, Dayak Open, DSL Open would all be held in Abuja in April.
“Each of the tournament runs for a week invariably. We are going to have three weeks to run the three tournaments which are annual tournaments.
“From the last week of April , we are expected to kick off with Tombim Abuja Open, followed by Dayak Abuja open, a week after and lastly DSL Abuja open, which is expected to end by middle of May.
“These tournaments have been happening for the past few years, and they are going to be continuing,” he said, explaining that the three tournaments are jointly sponsored by three friends.
He said that the Federation was expected to stage the Puma Wheelchair tournament in November.
Tidesports source learnt the Federation would also organise local tournaments in the country during the year, listing them to include the CBN Open, Rain Oil Tournament, Dala Hard Court, and VEMP national tournament, sponsored by Dayo Akindoju, President of the Tennis Federation.
“We normally have the CBN tournament, the last edition we held was the 42nd edition and we are going to have the 43rd edition of CBN open this year.
“We will also organise the RainOil tournament that will be held in Abuja. There is also the Dala Hard Court tournament, which is going to be held in Kano,” he said.
The Federation secretary also said the Lagos Open, an International tourna-ment, co-sponsored by the Lagos State government and the Nigerian Tennis Federation, would also feature in 2021.
He added that there would be a meeting of the Federation, with board members, stakeholders, umpires, coaches to discuss developments in the game of tennis, pointing out that the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, thwarted the Federation’s pro-grammes.
“We pray that this year, the pandemic will allow us to fully participate in all our international tournaments, as well as enable us organise our local tennis tournaments successfully,” 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.