Sports
‘WBC, Test For 2014 Commonwealth Games’
The Nigeria Boxing
Federation (NBF) has said that the country’s participation at the World Boxing Championships (WBC), scheduled to hold in Almty, Kazakhstan, would serve as a build up to the 2014 Commonwealth Games.
The NBF’s Acting Secretary, Tunde Laguda, told newsmen in Lagos that the championships would hold between October 11 and 27.
The 16-day open championships would be organised by the International Amateur Boxing Association (AIBA).
“It is very necessary for our athletes to take part in this competition because the Commonwealth Games is holding next year, so we need to maximise the opportunity to kick-start our preparations.
“It is also an opportunity to expose our boxers to the new scoring system used in international competitions, so that they will be able to get acquainted, for excellent performance,’’ Laguda said.
He said that 30 boxers and four technical officials have resumed camping at the Brai Ayonote Boxing Gym, National Stadium, Lagos, in preparation for the championships.
He added that the boxers were selected based on their individual performances at the National Open Boxing Championships held in Lagos in August.
“The Open Championships provided an opportunity which was used to identify the selected athletes that are now in camp. The selection was based on individual merit,” he added.
Laguda gave the names of technical officials as Tony Koyegwachie (head coach), Wasiu Bisiriyu, Gowon Odadare and Adura Olalehin, adding that the coaches were competent to prepare the boxers.
The 2014 Commonwealth Games will hold in Glasgow, Scotland, in the UK, from July 23 to August 3.
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.