Sports
Cardiologist Recommends Heart Checks For Sportsmen
A Cardiologist at the National Hospital Abuja, Dr Oladipupo Fasan has stressed the need for athletes to undergo general physical check-ups to detect signs of heart-related ailments.
Fasan said in an interview with newsmen in Abuja that the measure was necessary so as to guard against sudden death often recorded in the field of sports.
“It is important that every athlete should undergo a general physical check; this is good because there have been instances where athletes have died suddenly because they have had undetected baseline heart problems.
“The problems could have been congenital or acquired, but they weren’t aware and they went ahead and started exercising and doing sports.”
According to the cardiologist, a heart condition in which the blood supply to the muscles of the heart is affected could develop into more serious and fatal conditions.
Fasan said that while exercising, an athlete who had an inherited congenital heart disorder might experience an obstruction in the outflow of blood to the heart, thereby causing seizures and likely fatality if not responded to quickly.
“When this happens, blood fails to go to the brain as well as other parts of the body and the person might start feeling arrhythmic in which there is an irregular beat in the heartbeat.”
The cardiologist said that individuals should not be aware of their heartbeats because being aware meant that there was an abnormality.
He said that this could be seen as palpitations and harped on the need for Nigerians to cultivate the habit of going for regular check-ups at least once a year, even when they looked healthy.
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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