Sports
NTTF Postpones Trials For Commonwealth Games
The Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF) has postponed the planned final trials to select players for the Commonwealth Games holding in New Delhi in October.
The trials were initially scheduled to hold at the Liberty Stadium, Ibadan, between June 22 and June 23.
NTTF secretary Segun Oguntade told newsmen in Lagos yesterday that the trials were postponed because the venue was not available for that period.
“We went to confirm the date on Monday at the Liberty Stadium only to be informed that a basketball tournament had been scheduled for the venue before we booked our date,’’ Oguntade said.
He said the trials would now take place on June 24 and June 25 at the Liberty Stadium.
Oguntade said the trials, at which the players’ skills and experience would be assessed, were compulsory as players for the Games would be selected during the exercise.
“We want to use the trials to actually assess their individual performances so as to select the competent ones who will represent the country in New Delhi in October,’’ he said.
Meanwhile, 20 home-based players, 10 male and 10 females, who were selected at the second stage of trials held in April, were currently in camp, he said.
These players, he said, would be joined by their foreign-based counterparts such as Segun Toriola, Seun Ajetumobi, Monday Merotohun, Abiodun Bode and Funke Oshinaike.
“Letters have been sent to them to be available for the trials which incidentally comes up during their off season,’’ Oguntade added.
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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