Sports
Relocate Oghara Training Camp, Coach Tells NSC
Athletic Federation of Nigeria (AFN) Coach, Tobias Igwe, has told the National Sports Commission (NSC) to relocate the athletics camp from Oghara in Delta to the FCT, Abuja.
Igwe told the newsmen on telephone on Thursday in Lagos that Oghara lacked necessary facilities for athletes to train and excel at competitions.
He said that the camp lacked a gymnasium apart from other facilities available at the Abuja National Stadium, adding that the facilities enhanced performance.
“Relocating the camp to Abuja will accord us the same status as footballers even if the place is a two- star hotel, it would be better than the condition we endured at Oghara.
“We want the athletics team to be camped in a place that has all the necessary equipment to aid their training just like the weightlifters who are also in Abuja,’’ he said.
Igwe also told Tidesports source that in spite of the doping scandal at the 19th Commonwealth Games in Delhi, India, Nigeria still remained a force to be reckoned with in athletics.
“We have learnt our lesson from this sad episode in our athletics history, we will ensure that this scandal does not repeat itself in future.
“Nevertheless, we are still a force to be reckoned with and we will continue to enhance our profile through credible performances in future meets,’’ he said.
The Coach also implored the government to provide training grants for foreign-based Nigerian athletes to reduce excessive participation in competitions.
“The elite athletes should be supported with training grants by the government to boost our medal prospects at future competitions.
“The earlier we start our preparations for the All Africa Games the better our chances of doing well,’’ Igwe said.
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.