Sports
Reps Plans 360 Turfs Nation-Wide
The House of Representatives Committee on sports says it is poised to enhance sports development in the country through the establishment of ‘playing turfs’ in each of the 360 federal constituencies in the country.
Also, the committee says plans are under way to establish 30 mini-stadiums nationwide to boost sports and restore the country to its pride of place in African and Continental sports.
Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Sports, Hon. Godfrey Ali-Gaiya dropped this hint in an Abuja recently.
“W are hoping that before the end of our tenure, we’ll ensure every constituency has a playing turf. We are thinking of building mini stadiums playing fields at the grassroot level so as to expose our teeming youths to sports.
The committee appropriated for over 30 of such”, he said.
The mini-stadium, he said, would have turfs fro basket ball, volleyball and handball as well as other sports, with an indoor sports hall when built adding that there is a deliberate policy in place to groom the country’s teeming youths for sports, using these facilities.
He also recalled that Nigerian football attended an appreciable level of success in the 1990’s under coach Clemens Westerhorf because Westerhorf discovered talents at the grassroots and groom them for the national team, regretting that these days, coaches use mostly ready-made players rather than scouting for talents at the grassroot.
Hon Gaiya said,the committee considers the problem with Nigerian Sports as lack of grassroot development and was resolute to tackle it from tally and return the country to its days of glory in sports.
“In 1994, Nigeria became the 5th best football nation in the world so we want to return to those old days. That’s precisely the challenge facing the committee. We resolved to invite the NFF/NFA and other stakeholders and dialogue so that Nigerian football does not suffer setback (in the months and years ahead)”.
The committee he said a lot in the last two years but admitted that enormous task’ lies ahead so the committee will not falter in its responsibilities as all hands will continue to be on deck to take Nigerian sports to the heights.
“The position has enormous challenges. I came at a time our sporting process was being put to test. In the last few days, virtually all over football teams crashed out from one competition or the other.
Having said that, hope is not lost. It’s the challenge before the committee and we ‘ll ensure our sports bounce back (fully)”, he assured.
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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