Sports
Chess Players Bemoan Low Federation Activities
Secretary, Chess Players Association of Nigeria
(CPAN),Charles Campbell, has said that the lack of activities at the Nigeria Chess
Federation (NCF) has not prevented many players from training.
Campbell
told theTidesports in Lagos that he and his colleagues decided to keep
themselves busy to sustain their competitive edge.
The NCF has no programme lined up for January
and February, which has resulted in a lull in the federation’s activities.
The
FIDE Master said that since chess had become part and parcel of his daily
chores, he usually engages himself on a regular basis with other players in the
game.
“I
play chess always, even at my leisure with my children, because it is already a
part of me.
“Sometimes
when I see a fellow chess player, whether a master or not, I still play the
game because I learn more on the game, and this helps me to improve myself.
“The
fact that the federation has no activities lined up in January and February is
not enough reason for chess players to stay idle,” Campbell said.
Bunmi
Olape, another FIDE Master, said that that he had been fine-tuning his
techniques for a chess championship billed for Calabar in February.
He
told Tidesports that the event would help to keep him mentally alert to
the intricate moves in the highly intellectual game.
“I
try to play chess at all times, knowing that the federation has no programme
lined up for now, but I don’t need to have a competition in view, to train.
“I
try as much as possible, to improve my game, as I play the game frequently,’’
Olape said.
Nsiong
Bassey, a medical doctor and Vice President of CPAN, urged chess players to
always keep themselves busy, saying that chess was useful in making critical
decisions.
Bassey
recalled that she developed herself through the chess monthly heights
tournament and other chess-related activities.
“I
try as much as possible to participate in the monthly chess games which have
helped me to develop my game and keep me fit.
“I
advise all chess players to follow a similar regimen,’’ Bassey added.
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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