Sports
Handball Federation Prepares For Zone III Challenge Trophy
The Handball Federation of Nigeria (HFN), says it will begin preparations for the ninth Zone III Challenge Trophy in Cote D’Ivoire with the National U-18 and U-21 Championships in August.
HFN Secretary Sola Luke told our correspondent in Lagos that the national championships would hold from July 29 to August 7 in Minna, Niger State.
Luke said that it would be used to select players for Zone III tournament between Nigeria, Ghana, Togo and hosts Cote d’Ivoire from Aug. 22 to August 29.
“The championships will afford us the opportunity of seeing the young players display their skills and from there, we will pick the outstanding ones to form formidable teams.
“The selected players would be camped immediately after the championships for further preparations to enable them to excel because most of them have limited exposure,’’ he said.
Luke said the federation wanted to present male and female teams that could make a mark at the Confederation of Africa Handball (CAHB) competition.
He said the event would also help in the preparation of players for the Commonwealth U-17 Championships in Yaounde, Cameroun in September.
He disclosed that the Africa Youth Championships in Gabon from July 23 to July 31 had been postponed by the CAHB because of the Zone III Challenge Trophy.
The secretary, however, urged all states to ensure that their players were duly registered with the HFN as non-registered players would not be allowed to participate in the championships.
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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