Sports
Borno Plans Grassroots Sports Revival
The Borno State Government has said that it planned to unfold a blueprint for the development of sports at the grassroots.
Isa Buratai, Commissioner for Sports Development, told newsmen in Maiduguri that the plan was aimed at addressing the dwindling fortunes of sports in the state.
“We have faced a decline in sports in recent times but we are now taking bold steps to address the situation.
“We are going back to the drawing board in order to revive sports, in essence, we are going to produce a sports development blueprint,” he said.
Buratai added that the blueprint would ensure that structures were put in place to identify young talents and train them.
He said that the programme would emphasise sports where the state had comparative advantages.
“Borno teams used to be the best in cycling, handball, basketball and the likes.This is exactly what we are trying to revive.
“We will also lay the foundation for the development of other sports to take care of our youths,” Buratai said.
He said that the blueprint would also help the resuscitation of school sports, adding that committees would be set up at the local government level to ensure the success of the talent hunt programme.
“The idea of setting up the committees is sequel to the recent visit of the Segun Odegbami-led Nigeria Academical Sports Committee to the state.
“We actually agreed to set up the Academical Committee at the state level after meeting with the national body in Maiduguri,” Buratai said.
He said that the aim was also to harness budding football talents at the grassroots, for training as future champions.
“We bought the idea in full because we believe that the state has so many hidden football talents waiting to be tapped.
“In essence, the idea is to uncover numerous talents at the local level so that we can have youths who can represent us well at national competitions,” Buratai added.
He said that the state recorded some successes in sports last year in spite of many challenges.
“The state contingent at the 17th National Sports Festival in Port Harcourt in September did well by winning one gold, three silver and eight bronze medals.
“The state female handball team won the trophy at the national championship in Kano, while the male team also went far in the competition,” Buratai said.
He said that the state U-17 footballl team, Alooma Babes, secured the ticket to represent Nigeria at an international championship in Brazil this month.
“The team won the ticket after emerging champions at the Ibrahim Shema U-17 Championship in Katsina last year. “The state government is preparing the team to ensure that it performed very well at the championship,” Buratai said.
He said that the state government had also initiated measures to ensure the completion of the abandoned multi-purpose Maiduguri Stadium.
“You will recall that a task force was set up by the state government toward completing the stadium. The aim was to clear all legal impediments that could hamper its completion.
“I am happy to say that the task force had completed its assignment and the report presented to the State Executive Council which mandated the government to do the project,” Buratai said.
The Nigerian, who arrived in China fresh from winning gold at the African Senior Athletics Championships in Ghana earlier on Wednesday, clocked a season’s best of 12.41s behind Olympic champion Masai Russell and Bahamian star Devynne Charlton.
Russell produced a dominant display to win the race in a meeting record and world-leading time of 12.25s, improving on her previous world lead of 12.40s.
Charlton, the reigning world indoor champion, finished second in 12.38s in one of her strongest outdoor performances to date.
Amusan, whose world record of 12.12s remains the fastest time ever run in the event, improved significantly from her previous season’s best of 12.84s set during her victorious outing at the African Championships in Accra.
The 29-year-old was competing in a stacked field that included reigning world champion Ditaji Kambundji of Switzerland, Jamaican pair Megan Simmonds and Ackera Nugent, China’s Wu Yanni and Americans Tonea Marshall and Danielle Williams.
Kambundji, who won the world title in Tokyo last year with a Swiss record 12.24s, finished fifth in 12.82s, while Jamaica’s Nugent placed sixth in 12.98s.
Marshall and Williams failed to finish the race.
Following Amusan’s victory in Accra, the three-time Diamond League final winner expressed gratitude to her supporters while insisting she remained determined to achieve more success this season.
“Beyond grateful to God, my team, supporters, and everyone who continues to believe in me through every season. Historic feeling. Still hungry for more. The mission continues,”
The 10-time African champions are scheduled to take on the Teranga Lionesses on June 5 and 8 at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, Ogun State, in what will form a key part of their build-up to July’s continental tournament.
The fixtures were confirmed on social media platform X by Super Falcons Show, which announced the details of the encounter and venue.
“Nigeria’s senior women’s national team, the Super Falcons, will take on Senegal Women’s National Team in a double-header international friendly scheduled for June 5 and 8,” the post read.
“Both matches will be played in Ikenne, Nigeria.”
The friendlies come after Nigeria’s proposed training tour of the United Kingdom, which included a planned match against Jamaica, was cancelled due to scheduling complications linked to FIFA’s official women’s international window. The timing meant clubs would not have been obliged to release players.
With that tour shelved, the Senegal fixtures now offer a timely opportunity for coach Justine Madugu and his technical team to assess squad options, test tactical systems and strengthen team cohesion ahead of the WAFCON campaign and longer-term qualification targets for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
Senegal are expected to provide a competitive regional test, with their physical style and disciplined organisation likely to offer Nigeria a different tactical challenge across both matches.
The Super Falcons, who have dominated African women’s football for decades, will be aiming to use the double-header to fine-tune preparations as they pursue another continental title in Morocco next year.
Dr Bojuwoye, a seasoned medical professional with extensive experience in road running events across Nigeria, is expected to bring added value to the race through his expertise.
As medical director, his responsibilities will include overseeing emergency medical response, coordinating first aid stations along the course, ensuring athlete safety, and supervising medical volunteers and paramedics.
His role is critical in safeguarding the health of both elite and recreational runners, as well as spectators.
In addition to unveiling its new medical director, the organisers also announced five corporate partners for the 2026 edition.
The Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN), Petralon Energy, Razzl Drink, Dan Oil, and Carloha Motors have joined as sponsors, reflecting the race’s growing appeal across diverse sectors of the Nigerian economy.
The Okpekpe race, organised by Pamodzi Sports Marketing Company, has steadily risen in prominence since becoming the first road race in Nigeria to earn World Athletics label status in 2015.
It has since advanced to Gold Label Race status, attracting elite athletes from around the world and cementing its reputation as one of Africa’s benchmark road-running competitions.
Edo State, under the leadership of Governor Monday Okpebolo, has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the race, citing its role in promoting tourism, community pride, and international recognition for the region.
Race Director Zack Amodu noted that the new partnerships underscore the event’s stature and its impact beyond sport.
We are delighted to welcome DBN, Petralon, Razzl, and Carloha Motors as partners for the 11th edition. Their support, alongside the backing of Edo State, not only strengthens the race but also reinforces its role as a platform for promoting excellence, youth empowerment, and community development,’ Amodu said.
Beyond its sporting significance, the Okpekpe International 10km Road Race has become a catalyst for social, health, and economic benefits.
It encourages fitness and healthy lifestyles, fosters social cohesion by bringing communities together, and generates economic activity through tourism, hospitality, and local commerce.
The event also showcases Edo State’s cultural vibrancy while contributing to Nigeria’s growing reputation in global athletics.
The 11th edition is expected to draw elite athletes, local participants, and international attention, further consolidating Nigeria’s place on the global athletics calendar.
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