Sports
AFN Urged Not To Overlook Foreign Based Budding Athletes
One of the country’s
budding athletes, Ituah Enahoro, has appealed to the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) not to relent in its effort to develop talents at the grassroots.
The Netherland-based Enahoro, who made the appeal in an interview with newsmen in Lagos, said that foreign-based budding athletes should not be overlooked.
He said that the athletics regulatory body would require adequate funds to successfully execute its programmes and invite budding athletes in the Diaspora in local meets.
“And from what I heard, the athletics federation is not well funded to reach their full potential.
“So, I think they cannot do too much for me because I’m not based in the country. But I will be grateful if they can invite me and even others for some trials.
“My aspiration is that I want to compete internationally and build up for an Olympic event in the future when I am ready to do so. “I always go step by step and take a moment to achieve this.
“What I think is that the AFN has its hands full with its athletes in Nigeria,” said 16-year-old Enahoro.
The athlete told newsmen that he was also taking his educational pursuit seriously, adding: “I want to do well in school too.
“I am following a bilingual education at the highest level; for me it is vital that I get my diploma.
“So, I will always have something to fall back on after my active days in sports,” he said.
Enahoro said he was not averse to representing Nigeria in international competitions in spite of all the Dutch government had done for him.
“Well, I will keep my options open.
“Since I train in the Netherlands and enjoy all the benefits provided by the Dutch authorities, the expectation is for me to represent the Netherlands in competitions.
“So, it would be logical and respectful if I follow that path. However, what I will really like is to participate in African and Nigerian competitions,” he said.
On his role model, Enahoro picked Usain Bolt as his number one outstanding athlete.
“I think he has a funny character and does not take things too seriously while competing, but he is still focused though,
“There is also Ashton Eaton, number one decathlete, which I am a fan of too.
“And the closest role model in my area is Eelco Sintnicolaas, number one Dutch champion,” he added.
Enahoro was recently admitted to the elite Dutch National North Region Sports School of Excellence in Appledorn to sharpen his skills.
Enahoro’s had also performed creditably in some junior meets in Europe where he came first in the 60m hurdles in Dortmund with a returning time of 8.40 seconds.
He also came third in long-jump event with 6.26m.
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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