Sports
AFN To Commence Trials, Feb
The Athletic Federation of Nigeria (AFN) said it has fixed Feb. 18 to Feb. 23, 2013 for trials ahead of the Africa Athletic Youth Championships holding in Warri, Delta, between March and April 2013.
The Federation plans to use the All-Nigeria Secondary Schools’ Championship to test-run in readiness for the African champions.
Commodore Omatseye Nesiama, AFN Technical Director, told newsmen in Lagos at the weekend that a fitness test would also be conducted for officials and volunteers ahead of the championships.
“We have fixed Feb. 18 to Feb. 23 next year to carry out a test-run of all the facilities, the technical officials and all those that will be involved, volunteers inclusive, for the championship.
“To achieve that, I have planned to organise a technical officiating refresher course that same period between Feb. 18 and Feb. 23. The end of the refresher course will coincide with the competition to test-run the facility.
“It is after that time that we can beat our chest to say that we are fully ready or not, we still need to make one or two adjustments because we are going to test every aspect.
“The competition itself, the officials, the equipment including the timing devices.’’
Nesiama said the AFN would use the secondary schools championships in Port Harcourt in January, while some athletes from the 18th National Sports Festival would also be selected for the national team.
He warned, however, that the championships would be strictly for athletes between the ages of 16 years and 17 years, saying any athlete, who had clocked 18 years by December 2012, would not be given the chance to compete.
“It is open to youths of 16 years and 17 years old, the youth must not exceed 17 years by December 2013. It means from 16 years to 17 years can compete, 18 years old cannot.
“And we are very serious about that and that is why we are taking our preparations in that light very seriously also, in terms of a kind of selection processes we are adopting.
“We are going to use the All-Nigeria Secondary School Championships taking place in Port Harcourt early next year as one of our platforms for selection.
“And the other platform will be the National Sports Festival; we were able to get the athletes that are within the age range.’’
Nesiama also told newsmen that officials of the Africa Athletic Confederation had inspected the facilities to be used in Warri, and that they were satisfied.
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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