Sports
Dismal Olympics Outing Disappoints FG
The Minister of Sports, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, yesterday
expressed the Federal Government’s disappointment at the dismal performance of
Team Nigeria at the ongoing London 2012 Olympics.
Speaking at a press conference tagged “Nigeria Olympic
Review” at the Nigeria House in Stratford, London, the minister admitted that
poor preparations marred the country’s chances at the games.
“Our ability to win any medal so far is as disappointing for
my team and myself for all Nigerians everywhere.
“But we must have the courage to see it as it is.
This is a clear testimony to how far our sports has fallen
behind,” Abdullahi noted.
He, however, said he would not indulge in a blame game but
would take the dismal performance as “an opportunity to rebuild.”
The minister, who described the situation as a “crisis”,
said it was “the necessary disequilibrium required for serious actions and
drastic change. We will not allow this opportunity to pass.”
He stated, “Having been appointed Minister of Sports only
two months to the Olympics, I have had to learn very quickly.
“And I have not received a better lesson than in their last
two weeks of London 2012
“We have been hoping too much on luck, but for once, God is
telling us he’s not a magician.”
He praised Team Nigeria for putting up a brave showing at
the Olympics, noting, “Our athletes tried their best. We can only hope to build
on what they have done.
“According to a Yoruba saying, as you pose for a camera that
is now you will appear. There’s no magic.”
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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