Sports
Party Candidate Canvasses Support For Mark D Tourney
Peoples Democratic Party
(PDP) governorship candidate in Benue, Mr Terhemen Tarzoor, has assured the organisers of Mark D Ball Basketball competition that football match would be part of the event in 2015.
He stated this on Sunday in Otukpo at the ongoing Mark D’ Ball basketball competition.
He promised that if he won the governorship election, his government would make the tournament more competitive with the inclusion of football match.
“We will ensure that government will throw its weight on Mark D’ Ball as a tournament to ensure it is enlarged from only basketball to include football,’’ Tarzoor said.
He said that the Mark d’ Ball should be supported in its entirety since it represented the symbol of the Senate President David Mark.
Tarzoor, noted that any support for Mark D’ Ball was not wasted as the competition had been used to discover talents that represented the country at international basketball competitions.
Nineteen basketball teams from across the country, comprising 11 male and eight female teams are participating in the 2014 Mark D’ Ball competition.
The male category has six teams from Otukpo, which include Experience, St. Marks, Bethlehem, Apa Flames, Blazers and ESPN.
Others are T. Joba Talent from Uyo, Zuba S.S from Suleja, Full Force from Abuja, Orkland of Okene and Benue Braves of Markurdi.
The female category has Apa Queens and Purple Mat from Otukpo; Sweeties from Markurdi, Angels of Abuja, Rockers of Plateau and One Wing from Kaduna.
Lagos teams, Baby Seals and Pearls are also participating in the competition which started on December 26 and expected to end on December 31.
attracted politicians of various calibre.
Those in attendance included the Minister of Interior, Comrade Abba Moro, the PDP Governorship Candidate in the state, Mr Terhemen Tarzoor, as well as the new Controller General of the Federal Fire Service, Mr Joseph Anebi.
Top Nigerian musicians, including Tuface Idibia, Oritse Femi, ICE Prince as well as comedians like Basket Mouth and Fred Bright were also in attendance.
Popular Nollywood Actor, Victor Osuagwu, thrilled the audience with his jokes and comedy.
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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