Sports
NYG: Why We Perform Impressively – RSSC PRO
The Public Relationships Officer (PRO) of Rivers State Sports Council (RSSC), Christopher Chioma, has given reasons why Team RIvers performed better at the just concluded National Youth Games (NYG) held in illorin, Kwara State.
He attributed the impressive performance to early arrival to the venue and adequate trainings and preparations for the games, saying that in recent times this was the first time the contingent arrived on due time.
Chioma, who is also the festival secretary, said this in a telephone interview with Tidesports, yesterday. He further commended the State Governor Chief Nyesom Wike, as he released funds on time for the competition.
Since the inception of National Youth Games, in 2013 this is the first time Team Rivers has come close to fifth position.
According to him, the roles played by the commissioner for sports, in the State, Hon. Boma Iyaye and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Sir. Honour Sirawoo, were also laudable.
“Sincerely, this is the best performance of Team RIvers in NYG, as we finished fifth on the medal table with a total of 33 medals, 11 gold, eight silver and 14 bronze medals.
“I give kudos to Governor Wike, the number one lover of sports in Africa, he released funds on time to attend the event early. I also commend the Commissioner and Permanent secretary for their efforts to ensure that the team prepared adequately” Chioma said.
The PRO explained that most times before they reach Illorin the venue of the games, some events have taken place; consequently, the state will only participate in the few remaining sports.
“I am so excited that this year, we reached there on time and participated in all the sports.
“If we continue like this, I believe we can beat Delta State in next edition of the games,” he stated.
By: 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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