Sports
Our 2011 Victory, Not A Fluke – Asaah
Head Coach of Team Rivers’ Abula squad, Paul Asaah,
has said that the three gold medals won by the team at the ongoing 18th
National Sports Festival (NSF) was proof of the state’s superiority in the
sport.
Asaah told
The Tidesports in Lagos that their victory has also affirmed that their feat at
the 17th edition of the NSF in
Port Harcourt in 2011 was not a fluke.
Team Rivers
also won three gold medals in the sport at the 2011 edition of the NSF held in
Port Harcourt.
“I am the
happiest person on earth today; at least this result is ample evidence that
Rivers did not manipulate the three gold medals we won when we hosted the
competition.
“My athletes
have made me proud and I am motivated to go the extra mile in this sport.
“I am greatly
satisfied and fulfilled with the outcome of this game. I will do it over and
over again because I will not relent,’’he said.
According to
him, Team Rivers would commence preparations immediately for the next edition
of the tournament in Calabar in 2014, so as to be able to defend the title.
Team Rivers
defeated Bayelsa 3-1 in the finals of the male category and Delta 3-0 in the
female category to emerge champions in the sport at the ongoing Games
The Rivers
team equally defeated Bayelsa 3-2 in the mixed doubles to emerge champion in
that category.
Meanwhile,
Stella Briseimo, Head Coach of the Bayelsa team, told Tidesports that Team
Rivers won through luck.
“My athletes
played very well and were determined to win the gold medals but luck was just
not on their side,’’she said.
Briseimo said
that the team would come out stronger in the next edition of the NSF, adding
that no team would be able to defeat them.
Team
Rivers remained undefeated throughout the competition.
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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