Sports
Inadequate Facilities Hamper Kickboxing Dev
National coach, Kickboxing Federation of Nigeria (KFN), Cletus Okegbe, has said that inadequate facilities was hampering the training of kickboxers at the National Stadium in Lagos.
Okegbe told the newsmen that kickboxers currently trained on a hard ground at the stadium due to lack of mats, a situation he said predisposed them to injuries.
“We train on a rough floor here and sincerely, it restricts us from engaging in certain levels of training because it will result in exposing the athletes to injuries.
“The condition is a major challenge and is affecting the development of the martial art, but we still manage to train here,’’ he said.
Okegbe said that he had scheduled the athletes’ training to beat the vagaries of weather and the environment.
“The floor and hot weather are both unpleasant. I always advise athletes to come early for training so that we will achieve a lot before the sun rises,’’ he said.
The KFN coach appealed to the National Sports Commission (NSC) to look into their situation and support the sport’s development.
He said that should they participate in an international competition where standard facilities are used, the kickboxers would not be able to utilise them.
“The substandard training facility has a negative impact on athletes, when they find themselves in an international contest, they will not be able to exhibit their skills,’’ he said.
Okegbe said he was impressed with the kickboxers turn-out for training, in spite of the uncomfortable state of the environment.
He also called on lovers of martial arts, security outfits and corporate bodies to collaborate with the federation to grow the sport.
“Contributions from these groups will go a long way in adding life to the sport which will also encourage existing and upcoming athletes,’’ he said.
The kickboxers could not use recently renovated Brai Ayonote Gymnasium because for now, the NSC allows only competitions to hold there.
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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