Sports
C’Wealth Games: Analyst Raises Alarm Over Nigeria’s Preparation
A renowned boxing analyst, Trigo Egbegi, last Thursday said that there was no evidence of Nigeria’s preparation of boxers toward the forthcoming Commonwealth Games.
The Games are scheduled for Glasgow, Scotland from July 23 to August 3.
Egbegi, a former secretary, Nigeria Boxing Board of Control (NBB of C), told newsmen in Lagos that it appeared as if the competition was not being taken seriously enough to ensure good performance.
According to him, in the last four years there had been no improvement in the situation of sports in general in the country.
“Are we planning? Is there any evidence that we are improving and capable of winning gold, silver or bronze medals at the Commonwealth Games?
“I will be very blunt, I’m not impressed and I don’t think we are going there to win any medal.
“The Commonwealth Games are not a cheap competition, so, hard work is all that can help you go far in the competition,’’ he said.
Egbegi noted that until the Nigeria Boxing Federation (NBF) comes up with an effective programme, performing credibly in international competitions would be a myth.
“If the authorities involved can come up with an approach to deal with the shortcomings of the sport in the country, only then can we say we are preparing to win.
“But for now I don’t see us standing a chance at any international competition.
“Although in this part of the world we believe in miracles, so, a miracle can happen and we win but based on the level of preparations we are nowhere near,” he said.
The former NBBC of C secretary also said that in spite of the local competitions organised for the growth of the sport, nothing positive was achieved.
“Is it because of the National Sports Festival or Lagos State series that is being organised? That is not enough.
“Nothing should be expected and it’s too late to proffer a solution because all has been said and nothing has actually been done,’’ he said.
Cyclists ready for action during a national event in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, recently.
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.