Sports
Tokyo 2020: MFN Tasks Team Nigeria On Laurels
The President of Muaythai Federation of Nigeria (MFN), Comrade Paul Egonu, has charged team Nigeria at the ongoing Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan to make the country proud by winning laurels.
He further tasked the athletes to replicate the impressive performance of past Nigerian Olympians, saying he has no doubt of their potentials.
Comrade Egonu, gave the charge in a telephone interview with Tidesports, yesterday.
“I urge team Nigeria to promote the ideals of the Olympics. I know the games is all about fair play, honesty, teamwork, respect and friendship,” Comrade Egonu said.
He revealed that the International Olympics Committee (IOC) has included Muaythai as one of the sports to compete for in Olympics.
According to him, the Federation will start from now to groom fighters that can make the country proud in the next Olympics Games.
“We are assure the country that Muaythai in Nigeria will leave no stone unturned to present talented athletes, who will do the nation proud at the next edition of the Olympics.
The Muaythai family is happy about this deveploment, that we can now compete at the world multi sports competition. We will not relent to give out our best to qualify for the games.
Honestly, we commend the efforts of the International Muaythai Federation for this feat which will go a long way to promote the sport globally,” he stated.
The number, Mauythai man in the country, equally disclosed that the sport will be one of the demonstration sports at the National Sports Festival (NSF) in 2022, billed to hold in Delta State, as a letter to that effect was given to the Federation by Federal Ministry of Sports and Youth Development, April this year.
Comrade Egonu, used the forum to commend the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare, for effectively coordinating various sporting federations in preparation for the games and securing spoonsorship for the games.
Tonye Orabere
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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