Sports
Imo Hosts 3rd National Women Cricket Championship
The board of the Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF) has awarded the hosting of the 3rd edition of the National Women Cricket Championship to Imo.
In a statement in Lagos early in the week, the General Manager of the federation, George Wiltshire, said that the competition would hold this month.
Wiltshire said that Imo was granted the hosting right to ensure nationwide development of the game.
‘We are doing this because we expect that Imo will use this opportunity to spread and develop the noble game of cricket at the grass roots level,” Wiltshire said.
According to him, the hosting will not only assist the state at developing the game at the grass roots, it will also contribute to the growth of the game among female cricketers.
He said that Imo female team emerged second at the 2nd edition held in Lagos last year.
“Hence hosting by Imo would serve as an opportunity for the state government to build on its female team,’’ he said.
The Chairman, Imo State Cricket Association , Prof. O. Okoh, in a statement, said that the state was prepared to host the tournament.
“We have formally communicated with NCF of our acceptance,’’ Okoh said.
The statement added that the federation had also completed arrangements for the South East Championship for the Barriser Chuma Anosike Cup.
It said that the competition would hold at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, this month.
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.