Sports
Iyaye Applauds Ambassador Adamu For His Warm Reception
The Rivers State Commissioner for Sports, Honourable Boma Iyaye, has applauded the Nigerian Ambassador to Côte d’Ivoire, Martin Senkom Adamu, for his grand reception to players and officials of Rivers Angels all through their stay in Abidjan.
Iyaye made this known during a lunch reception organised by the Ambassador for the team on Friday before they left for the airport.
According to the Commissioner, Ambassador Adamu and the Embassy made the team feel at home throughout the over two weeks spent in Abidjan.
“I want to specially thank the Ambassador and Embassy from the bottom of my heart and on behalf of our Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, I say thank you,” said Hon. Iyaye.
“While I was in Nigeria, I was well informed on how you attended to the team, from arrival and otherwise.
“You could have decided to send a representative to attend to the team but you took it upon yourself to be present in all of their affairs and welfare.
“We appreciate everything you’ve done for us and pray for God to keep you, so you can extend this gesture to other Nigerian teams that come to Côte d’Ivoire,” he added.
Honourable Iyaye also commended the team’s head of delegation to Abidjan, Alhaji Babagana Kali, for being with the team for the entire duration of the WAFU B qualifiers.
In his response, an Executive Member of the Nigeria Football Federation, Alhaji Kali, appreciated the Nigerian Ambassador to Côte d’Ivoire for his warm reception and said his support was immense and was looking forward to more partnership with the Embassy.
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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