Sports
AFN To Assess Coaches With 2013 Activities
The Technical Director, Athletic Federation of Nigeria (AFN), Capt. Omatseye Nesiama, has said in Lagos that the federation’s activities for 2013 would be used to assess coaches.
Nesiama told newsmen at the three-day AFN Coaches Clinic and Forum, that the event was organised to update the coaches on modern trends.
“The aim of the seminar is to re-tool our coaches because coaching actually requires continuous technical update; things are changing all over the world.
You need to also move
according to the trend. We are going to use the various competitions in 2013 to assess the coaches
“From there, we will be able to know where we need to improve on and make the necessary adjustment,” the navy officer said.
Nesiama also said that there would be a monitoring committee in the six geopolitical zones of the country to ensure that coaches applied the knowledge gained from the seminar.
“We are going to appoint monitors in the six geo-political zones to monitor the coaches’ activities and report back to the technical committee.
“We will analyse their report and look for the way forward. We are going to do things differently because we want to get better results,’’ he said.
He also said that the AFN would work in line with the National Sports Commission’s structure to promote athletics.
“We are going to ride on the NSC structure because you cannot divorce the AFN from the NSC.
“We want a situation whereby the NSC strategic vision will tally with AFN strategic plan,” Nesiama 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.