Sports
London 2012: Games: NOC, British High Commission Agree On Biometric Data
The British High Commission in Nigeria and the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) have agreed on the procedure for the collection of biometric data of athletes, officials and journalists accredited for the London 2012 Olympic Games.
NOC Secretary-General Tunde Popoola, who disclosed this in a statement in Lagos, Lagos week, said biometric data collection was a key part of the accreditation/entry visa processes for the Games.
“In order to accommodate all team members, the collection process has been divided into two phases — Lagos and Abuja,’’ it said.
The statement said the first phase in Lagos would hold on April 26 and was planned to coincide with the celebration of the 100 days to the Olympic Games by the British Government.
It said the event would take place at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
“Apart from the biometric process, the High Commission plans to mark the event with a 100m novelty race for athletes and guests.
“Hence, all athletes and officials are expected to appear in their sports wears. Also, everyone must come with their valid international passports,’’ the statement said.
It said that in the second phase in Abuja, the collection of biometric data would take place on May 3, at the Conference Centre of the Hockey Pitch, Package B, National Stadium.
The Abuja event, it added, was aimed at relieving all accredited persons of the burden of going through regular entry visa processes.
“It is purely for the biometric process, hence all those who are unable to attend in Lagos should avail themselves of this second opportunity to conduct the basic requirement,’’ it said.
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.