Sports
18th NSF: NSC Scores Lagos Facilities High
The Director-General, National Sports Commission (NSC), Dr Patrick Ekeji, has commended Lagos State for the quality of facilities provided in preparation for the 18th National Sports Festival.
Lagos State is to host the festival from Nov. 27 to December 10.
Ekeji told journalists after inspecting facilities at the Teslim Balogun Stadium and National Stadium, Lagos, that he scored Lagos 85 per cent.
“ Earlier I gave Lagos State 80 per cent but after seeing what is on ground I am adding five per cent.
“Works have been assigned to competent contractors. However, we will continue to monitor and ensure that the works are completed. I do not envisage any problem arising,” he said.
The director-general noted that Lagos hosting the festival would afford personalities from the sports world – ANOCA, IOC and CAF – to attend the fiesta.
The Commissioner for Youth, Sports and Social Development, Mr Enitan Oshodi, said that the government would fall back on its experience hosting the 2009 U-17 World Cup to organise a successful festival.
“The past experience of the U-17 World Cup will do us good and we will be able to bring back that experience.
“Also we plan to use some tournaments like the FA Cup final, Federation Cup final to test run some of our facilities before the festival,” he said.
Oshodi said that the lights and some broken seats in the indoor sports hall of the Teslim Balogun Stadium were to be replaced.
The commissioner also said that the VIP section of the main bowl would be expanded to accommodate the large number of personalities expected to attend the festival.
Also speaking at the occasion, Sen. Olorunimbe Mamora, representing Lagos East, said that in spite of the pass mark given by NSC, there was still room for improvement.
“ So far so good but like I always say you can better your best; and this is Lagos, the Centre of Excellence, and much is expected of us,” he said.
The opening and closing ceremonies of the festival are expected to take place at the Teslim Balogun Stadium.
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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