Sports
Depend Less On Miracle For Success …Minister Tells Nigerians
Sports Minister Bolaji Abdullahi has urged Nigerians to depend less on miracles for success in sports.
Presenting an overview of the Nigerian sports sector at the Presidential Sports Sector Retreat early in the week in Abuja, the minister said it was time for concerted efforts to engender growth in the sector.
The minister, who commended President Goodluck Jonathan’s efforts at revamping sports, said the crisis engendered by Nigeria’s poor outing at the 2012 London Olympics had demanded urgent action.
“I really commend President Jonathan for this brave act of leadership in trying to find a lasting solution to this problem.
“Though we have had many sports retreats before, this is the first by a Nigerian president, and it shows Jonathan’s commitment to the cause.
“He has demonstrated the will to reform the sector, and this will thus mark the beginning of a long but steady march to greatness.
“But it won’t happen overnight. There is no magic to it, except concerted efforts by all concerned.
“We have to move away from our usual reliance on miracles and prayers to succeed as it is now evident that we can no longer rely on miracles and our athletes’ raw talents,’’ he said.
Abdullahi said it was time Nigerian sports managers shifted gear in their quest for sports honours since the country had not lived up to its huge potential.
“At the Olympic Games, Kenya has so far won 25 gold medals, South Africa 23 and Ethiopia 21, while Nigeria has won only three to be the best only in West Africa.
“But we don’t want to be West African kings. We want to be world beaters; and to do this, we have to start relying on methods and not miracles and prayers,’’ he said.
The minister said the task of achieving success depended not only on government but also all sports stakeholders.
He said the journey must first start from the National Sports Commission (NSC) which he said needed to brace up to the challenges, do a self-appraisal and listen to home-truths.
Abdullahi said the National Assembly also needed to do its part by expediting action on the passage of the NSC bill as about 90 per cent of the commission’s workers are administrative staff.
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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