Sports
Coker Calls For Reactivation Of Isaka Sports Institute
A former Board member of the Sports Institute of Rivers State (SIRS), Isaka, Chief Jimmy Coker has called on the Rivers State government to refocus on the institute, reactivate it and ensure that it is put to optimum use.
Chief Coker, who made the call in Port Harcourt during a chat with The Tide sports at the weekend said that the institute in the good old days had produced athletes that brought laurels to the state and the nation. He stressed the need for the institution to be brought back to life especially, as the 18th National Sports Festival and other sporting events come by.
Coker noted with sadness the poor state and level of decay of the school that once produced athletes and coaches of great repute.
According to him, talents discovered from local competitions could be groomed at the institute, stressing that for the state to further excel in sports, the Rivers State Government should focus its attention on the school which remains as one of the premier sports institutes in the country.
Chief Coker, who is also a Trustee of the Youths Sports Federation of Nigeria (YSFON) said, “let those boys identified at the recent Amaechi cup street soccer tournament in Port Harcourt metropolis be groomed at the institute so that the aim of the competition would not be defeated”. He further noted that the state has abundant talents that are rusting away due to lack of harnessing and exposure.
Collins Barasimeye
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.