Sports
Fans Laud Security Arrangement At Basketball Championship
Participants in the NBBF/DSTV Basketball Premier League Final Eight Championship in Lagos have commended the security arrangement by the organisers.
The participants said that the safety of the players, coaches and spectators were taken care of by the organisers, thereby ensuring a hitch-free competition so far.
Armed policemen were positioned inside and outside the Indoor Sports Hall, National Stadium, Lagos, venue of the tournament to maintain the peace.
Bouncers, said to been engaged by the organisers, were seen around helping to ensure that miscreants are kept away.
Abimbola Faniran, a statistician, told newsmen that “with the level of insecurity in the country, I am not surprised with the number of security personnel the organisers have on ground”.
He said the NBBF had provided an enabling environment for the teams and fans at the tournament.
Timothy Terry, 22, a Yelwa Hawks player, also praised the Lagos-based clubs hosting the competition for providing adequate security.
He called on the state governments to beef up security in their areas to stem incessant bombings and violence.
Coach Sani Turi of Kada Stars said the hosts had put in place tight security measures to check any unforeseen violent behaviour.
According to him, the security measures put in place by the hosts are superb and worthy of emulation.
“I will say the hosts can be recommended to host an international or continental championship because they know what it takes to host.”
Musa Aleru, a basketball fan from Kano, told newsmen that “one should give it to the hosts in terms of security and the organisation generally”.
Aleru, whose brother plays for Kano Pillars Basketball Club, said that though Lagos State did not have serious security challenges, the organisers still did the right thing.
The 2010/2011 Final Eight championship to determine the winner of the basketball premier league, is being hosted by Dodan Warriors, Lagos Islanders, Ebun Comets, Police Baton, Union Bank and Chariots.
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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