Sports
Olympics: Edo Tips Adegoke For Podium Finish
Chief Press Secretary to the Edo State, Deputy Governor, Ebomhiana Musa, has backed Nigeria medal hopeful, Enoch Adegoke for a podium finish at the ongoing Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
Adegoke qualified for the semi-final of the men’s 100m at the weekend after he emerged first in his heat with a new personal best time 9.98secs.
Tidesports source reports that Adegoke beat Asian record holder, Femi Ogunode, and British star, Zharnel Hughes and 2021 World leader Travon Brommel to win his 100m heat.
The Edo State Government adopted the athlete before the Games and donated $10,000 to him for his preparations for the trip to Tokyo.
An elated Musa, while speaking with newsmen said he was confident that Adegoke would win the country a medal.
“Before his adoption, the government saw a future in the young man. This is just the beginning of his career and the sky is the starting point for him.
“All that the state government saw in him and decided to adopt him, give him necessary support towards the Olympics as well as a $10,000 cash gift, is beginning to yield dividends.
“We are very proud of him so far and confident that he is going to finish at the Olympics on the podium.
“There is also a huge promise waiting for him here if he gets a medal for the country. We are going to shock him.”
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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