Sports
Rivers Wrestlers Participate In Olympic Trials
Five wrestlers from Rivers State are part of the 2021 Olympics Trials which comences today in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
This was disclosed yesterday by the Head coach, Rivers State Wrestling Association, Eli Oyonumunede, during an interview with Tidesports in Port Harcourt.He said that the wrestlers were invited to the trials by the Nigeria Wrestling Federation (NEF).
Those invited include Mercy Adekuoroye -53kg, Sunmisola Balogun 68kg, Amos Assizecourt -74kg, Fisayo Kolawale -65kg, and Progress Benson -86kg.
According to him, the competition which is scheduled to hold at the Samson Siasia stadium, Bayelsa State, is a three-day event, the trials commences today, 15 and ends 18 of this month.
He said that, the trials was being organised by the NWF under the direction of the National president, Daniel lgali, adding that all COVID-19 guidelines as instructed by the relevant agencies would be strictly followed.
“Yes, we have been urged to ensure that we work inline with the COVID rules for our own safety,” coach Oyonomunede said.
Meanwhile, the event is strictly on invitation, as athletes or States who are not invited have no business to be there.
Wrestlers, who are selected at the end of the competition, would be invited to National Camp for further preparation for the 2021 Olympics Games, scheduled to hold in Brazil later this year.
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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