Sports
Traditional Sports: Coach Blames Woes On Irregular Competitions
The Lagos State Abula Coach, Muritala Babalola, has expressed regrets that the nation’s abundant talents in traditional sports were wasting due to lack of competitions.
Babalola told newsmen in Lagos that the irregular competitions had grossly affected the growth of the game in the country.
According to him, the game comprising Kokawa (wrestling), Dambe (boxing), Langa, Ayo and Abula, failed to grow in the country because government has failed to show interest.
Babalola said that government’s lack of interest in the game had resulted in corporate bodies and spirited individuals to develop apathy to sponsor the game.
He noted that having talents alone would not improve the sport, and stressed the need for regular competitions to sustain its popularity and growth.
“The lack of opportunities for players to play on a regular basis is one of the biggest challenges facing the growth of traditional sports in the country.
“In order to improve the game in the country, we will need to organise competitions on a regular basis for the players as well as the fans,” he said.
He then urged the three tiers of government to show interest in the development of the game in the country, saying that government’s apathy to the game was its greatest problem.
“If government shows little interest, the game will grow through sponsorship and players will have better opportunities to play regularly and improve their skills for international competitions.
“Funding from the private sector to hold competitions will go a long way at providing players with the required prospects to play, thereby improving their skills,’’ he said.
The coach, however, expressed optimism in the future of the game in the country, saying that it had overtime gained national recognition and acceptance by the people.
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.