Sports
Expert Advises Athletes Against Heart Failure
A sports medicine expert, Dr Toyosi Owoeye, has advised athletes to guard against heart failure during the 18th National Sports Festival in Lagos between November 27 to December 9.
Owoeye of the College of Medicine, University of Lagos (UNILAG), recently renamed Mashood Abiola University of Lagos, gave the advice recently in Lagos.
He told newsmen that cardiovascular disorders, especially coronary artery diseases, were the common cause of death among athletes.
He said that most cases of heart attacks were triggered by some level of stress or physical activity that could cause sudden death.
The don noted that the incidence of sudden death was high globally, though in Nigeria, there was no empirical statistics available yet to quantify the magnitude of the problem.
He called on sports managers to always ensure comprehensive pre-competition medical assessment of athletes with special focus on Electrocardiography (ECG) , which he said, was essential in detecting heart problems.
Oweye also advised athletes to be responsible for their health by routinely seeking advice from medical experts.
He stressed that athletes who regularly engaged in sports should adopt disciplined lifestyles, including healthy eating and non-indulgence in alcohol and tobacco.
Owoeye also urged the National Sports Commission (NSC), State Sports Councils and sports organisations to partner with sports medicine inclined clinics, on pre-sport participation health assessment.
Some athletes had died while participating in competitions, including Sam Okwaraji, who died 23 years ago.
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.