Sports
Rio 2016: Boxer Vows To Sustain Medal Feat
A gold medallist in
Boxing at the 2014 Congo-Brazzaville All African Games Efe Ajagba has said he is optimistic to win a gold medal at the forthcoming Rio 2016 Olympic Games in Brazil.
Ajagba, who won gold in the super weight category (19+), spoke with newsmen in Lagos, while training at the National Stadium in Surulere.
The boxer said that he had intensified training, to repeat the same feat.
“ 1 am hoping to win a gold medal in my category because it is what 1 have thought of winning a long time ago.
“1 have always dreamt of winning gold at the Olympics and 1 am working hard to get it and by the grace of God, 1 hope to achieve the feat.
“Presently, 1 work out twice daily in the morning and in the evening, to help kkeep keep fit and in shape,” he said.
He said that he hoped that 2016 for the boxing federation would be as successful as the previous year, in terms of competitions, both local and international.
“1 wish the best for our federation and 1 hope that it will be a good year for us.
“Last year was a good one as we won medals in the Kenneth Minima Boxing Championships which also served as qualifiers to the All African Games in Brazzaville, Congo,” he added.
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.