Sports
Poor Fund Hinders Basketball Association
Chairman, Plateau Basketball
Association (PBA), Mr Sam Damla, has said that the state bred quality basketball players but lacked the resources to retain them.
Damla made the assertion when he spoke on the development of the game and players in the state in an interview with Tide Sports Correspondent last Sunday in Jos.
He said that Plateau had been a training ground for players who later leave to other states for better pay.
“Most of the players that are making waves in other clubs started from here and the reason cannot be farfetched; they are looking for greener pastures.
“This boils down to the issue of proper funding, they are looking for where they are well paid as professionals.
“They are not well paid here may be because of the lean resources of the government,’’ he said.
The association’s chairman called for private sponsorship of basketball by companies and privileged individuals as government alone could not handle sports sponsorship.
He said that basketball was the second most popular game after football in the state.
According to him, the game is bedevilled with a lot of challenges both technically and shortage of hard wares.
“Generally, there are a lot of problems associated with the sport, lack of private sponsorship and lack of commitment sometimes by the government,’’ he said.
Damla, however, said the state had made significant progress in the game by grooming quality players and winning laurels through its team, Plateau Peaks.
The chairman said that basketball was being developed at the grassroots, noting that there were basketball teams in almost all primary, secondary and tertiary institutions in the state.
He urged basketball lovers in the state to always make out time to watch Plateau Peaks which plays in the highest level of basketball in the country.
He said that doing so would cheer the players and enable them to put in their best and win laurels at national competitions.
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.
-
News1 day agoPolice Arrest Nigerian, Two Others For Kidnapping In Edo
-
Business15 hours agoNigeria, AFC sign $1.3 billion deal to build alumina refinery
-
Rivers15 hours agoKENPOLY Rector Promises To Prioritise Students’ Welfare
-
Nation1 day agoPerm Sec Explains Success Of FGM Elimination Programme In Rivers
-
News1 day agoNDLEA Arrests Ex-Councillor With 40kg Skunk, Recovers Drugs In Diapers
-
Rivers15 hours agoDon, Stakeholders Urge Environmental Laws In N’Delta
-
Rivers15 hours agoLGSC Boss Commits To Better Service Delivery
-
Rivers15 hours agoADIAFRICA Flags-off Free Eye Screening Outreach In PH