Sports
Tennis Players Laud Federation For Tournament
Some wheelchair tennis
players have commended the Nigeria Wheelchair Tennis Federation (NWTF) for organising the maiden edition of the National Wheelchair Tennis Ranking Tournament.
The NWTF is to use the tournament to rank Nigerian players and discover talents to represent the country at international competitions.
Alex Adewale, who emerged champion, is now the national number one male player, while Foluke Shittu is now female number one player in the country.
Adewale, who won the male single, commended NWTF and the Lagos State Government for giving the players opportunity to showcase their talents.
“I must commend the state governor for his assistance to me personally and the growth of the sport in the country.
“Governor Fashola paid our transport to and fro the stadium for the training and offered us some other assistance.
“Though there is no prize money attached, I appreciate the Golden Penny Company for providing us with T-shirts which made the event more colorful,” Adewale said.
Jude Uwazie, the number two seeded player, expressed his happiness in participating in the tournament.
“It is just all about game, either lose or win. I played my best, but the most important thing for me is the opportunity to learn new skills.
“We are supposed to go for world team cup qualifier this year, but due to lack of funds we may not take part in the qualifiers.
“I urge the government and private companies to come in and sponsor the game,” he said.
Aare Adebayo, who emerged champion in the male’s singles of the Quade category, urged the federation to ensure that the players took part in international competitions.
“I urge the federation to do more in ensuring that we participate in international competitions,’’ he said.
Shittu, the female champion, said that the players had learnt a lot from the competition.
“I am happy for the great opportunity given to me to display my talent and I have also learnt new skills during the competition.
“ We are happy that we started the year with competition; we are calling on the federation to ensure adequate competition both in Nigeria and outside the country.
“It only through competition that players can improve on their skills,” she said.
The players also called on the sports authorities in the country to take the welfare of physically challenged athletes seriously.
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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