Sports
Preparations for 19th NSF Stall In States
The forthcoming 2015
General Elections seem to have stalled preparations for the 19th National Sports Festival, NSF, Chistened centenary games billed for Calabar, Cross River State from the 19th of April this year.
Already, coaches and athletes seem to lack the needed attention needed to put them in good stead for the festival.
According to the Head of Coaching Department, Rivers State Sports Council, Evangelist Ezekiel Ordu, the shift in date of the upcoming 2015 general elections may affect preparations especially the stages for the 19th NSF.
“It is evident that the forthcoming elections have affected our preparations for the 19th NSF, because, everything is on hold, there is little or no funds to organize or travel outside the state for competition to further prepare athletes for the finesta”, he said.
He said that the postponement of the elections from its original date of 14th and 29th February to March 28th and April 11th, this year might also affect the festival proper, which is scheduled to hold 19th April.
Meanwhile, the various sporting Associations in the state are still doing their normal training in order to ensure that they are adequately ready in case the fiesta kicks-off suddenly , Ordu expessed oncern that the festival has suffered several shifts of its own.
Evangelist Ordu, therefore, advised the State athletes to be focused and disciplined at all times and take endeaour to take their chosen sports seriously. He advised them to strive to be in shape and ready to deliver at all times.
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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