Sports
30 States Register For 17th NSF
30 States including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), have complied with the online registration of athletes and officials as a pre-requisite for accreditation for the 17th National Sports Festival, NSF.
This was disclosed in a communiqué signed by the Main Organizing Committee (MOC) Secretary, Alhaji Abba Yola and the Local Organising Committee Secretary, Bestman Onwoka Esq, during the 2nd Joint technical meeting of the NSF held at Royal Banquet Hall, Presidential Hotel, recently in Port Harcourt.
The communiqué commended President Goodluck Jonathan, for his unflinching support for the Festival. It noted that his support was further demonstrated by his personal involvement in the flag-off of the movement of the Unity Torch earlier this month at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The statement confirmed that the hoisting of the flags of participating states by their respective Governors will take place in Port Harcourt on the 16th of June.
The statement also informed delegates that registration meeting (DRM) would take place at the velodrome of the Abuja National Stadium from 26th May to 4th June, 2011 and stated that it is compulsory for all states participating in the Games to ensure their athletes and officials for the festival.
It also noted that it was a pre-requisite for the issuance of the necessary accreditation cards.
Nancy Briggs
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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