Sports
NBF Denies Withdrawal Of Boxers From Olympics
The Nigeria Boxing Federation (NBF), has said that it was unaware. of the decision by the National Sports Commission (NSC) to withdraw Nigeria from the boxing event of the 2012 Olympic Games.
NBF Secretary Patrick Uwagbale told newsmen in Lagos that if there was such a decision, it has yet to be contacted officially.
He spoke against the backdrop of speculations that the NSC took the decision following the boxers’ poor performances in recent competitions, including the Delhi Commonwealth Games in India.
“If it is true, the NBF will appeal to the NSC to rescind it,” Uwagbale sa’ .
He stressed that the only reason that might prevent Nigerian boxers from featuring at the London Olympics was the trials which would hold in February 2012.
“The boxers should be given the benefit of doubt to prove that they will be worthy representatives of the country at the Olympics through the trials.
“Where we fail to qualify for the Games at the trials, then the NSC will be justified in its alleged plan not to feature the boxers,” he said.
The secretary also said that the NBF planned to organise a national boxing championships in February to select boxers to represent Nigeria at the All Africa Games in Mozambique.
“We intend to use the national championships to pick the very best male and female boxers in the country.
“Boxers selected from the championships will be invited to camp to start preparation for the All Africa Games holding in August.
“We, therefore, call on corporate sponsors to partner with us in our drive to reposition boxing in the country,” he said.
Uwagbale added that the Maj.-Gen. Kenneth Minimah-led NBF intended to restore boxing in the country to its lost glory through well thought out programmes.
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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