Sports
NBSA To Invite 35 Players Softball Championship
The Nigeria Baseball and Softball Association (NBSA) will invite 35 players to camp on June 15, ahead of the forthcoming 11th World Junior Softball Championship scheduled to hold in Oklahoma, U.S.
The NBSA’s Secretary, Kehinde Laniyan told newsmen in Lagos that the players would commence a 40-day programme in Port Harcourt and other locations in the country ahead of the competition.
Laniyan said that the invited players were selected from tryouts that were held in Ibadan and Port Harcourt in May.
“The camp is for the purpose of preparing our players ahead of the upcoming championship and we are already putting everything in place to ensure a good outing for our team.
“The invited players have already gone through tryouts which is the first thing we do before inviting players to camp.
“The 40-day time frame is to enable our technical officials work thoroughly, while feeding and accommodation for players and technical officials will be adequately provided,’’ he said.
He disclosed that 20 players would be eventually selected based on merit to represent the country at the championship.
The scribe, however, appealed to corporate organisations and philanthropists to support the team’s preparations for the event.
Nigeria is in pool A alongside Ecuador, China, Great Britain and Japan the defending championship.
No fewer than 18 teams will participate at the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) sanctioned event holding from August 9 to Aug. 15 in Oklahoma.
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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