Sports
Nigeria Ranks 320 In Badminton Globally
Nigeria’s number one badminton player, Jinkan Ifraimu, has been rated 320 with 3,370 points in the world by the Badminton World Federation (BWF) in its latest rankings released recently.
Ifraimu, who ranked fourth in Africa has not been able to compete with his Ugandan counterpart, Edwin Ekiring, ranked 117 with 1, 3545 points in the world.
Ekiring is currently Africa’s number one player with 1, 4325 points, while Ifraimu ranked fourth with 4,290 points.
Other Nigerian players next to Ifraimu in the rankings are Eneojo Abah, ranked 356 in the world with 2,805 points and Victor Makanju, rated 539 with 1,392 points.
Reacting to the rankings, Abah said the number of international competitions attended determined players’ rankings and that Nigeria did not participate in enough international championships in 2012.
For the men singles, Lee Chong Wei of Malaysia is number one in the world with 9, 2848 points.
China’s Chen Long is two with 8, 2200 points and also his compatriot D.U. Pengyu is third with 6, 3416 points.
For the women’s singles, Nigeria’s Grace Gabriel is ranked 146 with 9, 642 points in the world, while Fatima Azeez, ranked 284 with 3, 428 points and Susan Ideh ranked 334 with 2,648 points.
Gabriel is ranked number one in Africa.
For the women’s singles, Li Xuerui of China is number one female player with 9, 4626 points while Saina Nehwal of India is number two with 8, 0461 points.
In the third place is China’s Wang Yihan with 7, 6852 points.
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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