Sports
19th NSF: Rivers Weightlifters To Re-Assess Performance
As the first phase of
camping for Rivers State athletes billed to participate in the 19th National Sports Festival (NSF), draws to conclusion, the State Weightlifting Association has said that the athletes would be more formidable during the third phase of camping.
A weightlifter in the state who pleaded anonymity told that Tidesports that the first phase of preparation would not be enough to decide the strength of the team.
“Though, the first phase of camping will soon come to an end, but we cannot say for sure that the body has got all it needs to succeed in the task ahead.”
According to our source, the weightlifter could say that, they have prepared adequately and ready to compete favourably with their counterparts in other States when phase three camping is completed.
The camping which is expected to last a month would soon round-off, and the atheletes have said that they would train individually to keep the fire burning during the break.
However, the weightlifters are in high spirit and are working assiduously to keep fit as they streamline to be up to standards with the new rules in the sports, to enable them face hurdles that are synonymous with the festival.
It would be recalled that the State Weightlifting Association held weekly trials at the sports gymn in the Alfred Diette Spiff Sports Complex, Port Harcourt.
A weightlifter showing off his talent in past meeting.
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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