Sports
We Need Exposure, Encouragement -Nigerian Athletes
Two Nigerian athletes have said that exposure and encouragement by sports authorities are crucial for Nigerian athletes to excel at international sporting events.
Two of Team Nigeria’s athletes at the ongoing London Olympics, Omolara Omotosho and Regina George, gave the advice in separate interviews with newsmen in London.
The athletes spoke after they lost out in the women’s 400 metres semi-finals of the Games, after posting encouraging performances a day earlier.
“We want more exposure and encouragement. That is something that will help more Nigerian athletes and it will help us to do better at international competitions,” 19-year-old Omotosho stated.
Omotosho who returned from a two-year doping suspension before going on to represent Nigeria at the All-Africa Games in 2011 said that Nigerian athletes needed help.
“It is glaring that we can do better with more exposure and I will implore the Athletic Federation of Nigeria (AFN) and the others to do something in this regard,” she said.
George agreed with Omotosho’s submissions, saying she was hopeful of getting more support to be able to appear in future international meets.
“I am looking forward to running more after the Olympics. That is how I can keep up my performance and more support will be needed for this,” she said. George had competed for the US at the World Junior Relays in 2010 but she later opted to switch allegiance to Nigeria since she has dual citizenship.
The student of Psychology at the University of Arkansas was cleared to compete for Nigeria last June.
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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