Sports
C’River Redeploys Facilities At UJ Esuene Stadium Nigeria 2009 fallout
The Cross River Government has begun the redeployment of facilities installed at the U.J. Esuene stadium, Calabar for the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Nigeria in 2009.
Calabar was one of the eight centres used for matches in the tournament, held between October 24 and November 20.
The state Commissioner for Youths and Sports Development, Chief Raymond Obeten, confirmed the redeployment of the facilities.
Obeten said that power inverters and some computers installed at the media centre of the stadium had been moved to the ICT unit of the governor’s office.
He also said that a 1000-KVA generator used for the competition had been returned to Tinapa Business and Leisure Resort from where it was taken.
The five ambulances bought for the tournament have also been moved to some health facilities, while the CT SCAN and MRI machines are at the General Hospital, Calabar, the commissioner said.
He said the government intended to use the computers and inverters to improve operations at the training school of the ICT department.
“After satisfying the needs of the ICT department, we still have some computers and laptops left. We are working out a programme to make them useful to the people,” he said.
Obeten said that the redeployment of the facilities would enable the state to enjoy the benefits of hosting the tournament.
“We had said that hosting the championship would be beneficial to the state beyond the requirements of FIFA.
“It is more or less central to the growth of some sections of our social services infrastructure.
“Now that FIFA is gone, you can be sure that the facilities are available to serve our people. So, that is why the facilities are being redeployed,” he said.
Two days after the conclusion of matches at the centre on November 9, last year, some persons who claimed to be acting on orders removed some air conditioning units at the health centre of the stadium.
Those removing the items told some state LOC members and stadium workers that the orders came from the tournament’s coordinator of the health centre and the state commissioner for sports.
The commissioner then confirmed that the air conditioners were not on the list of items sent to the Calabar centre by the central LOC in Abuja.
He also said that before giving permission for the items to be removed from the stadium, he cleared with relevant authorities at the central LOC.
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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