Sports
NTTF Schedules National League Finale For May
The Nigerian Table Ten
nis Federation (NTTF) has announced May 14 for the grand finale of its ongoing National U-16 League holding in Lagos.
Tidesports reports the U-16 league which began on March 31 will end on April 8, and the grand finale tagged: “Super League,’’ holds on May 14.
The Secretary of NTTF, Chinedu Ezealah-Ogundare, told newsmen in Lagos that the grand finale was purposely scheduled for May 14 before the Lagos Open Classics holding from May 18 to May 22.
Ezealah-Ogundare said that the best eight male and eight female players, including two males and two females with wild cards would take part in the U-16 grand finale.
“The players will be grouped into two groups of five players each. Two players will qualify from the groups to the semi-finals stage.
“Participants in the grand finale would be the ones that would be registered for the U-21 event at the forthcoming International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) Lagos Open Classics.
“They are young players and we want the grand finale to be a form of build up for them at the Classics.
“So, the U-16 grand finale will serve as pre-training for the Lagos Classics,’’ she said.
The secretary said that the Classics would feature four events, the men’s and women’s singles and the U-21 men’s and women’s singles
Tidesports source reports that currently, no fewer than 52 boys and girls from nine states are taking part in the U-16 league holding in Lagos.
The states are Lagos, Kwara, Delta, Abia, Cross River, Oyo, Ondo, Ekiti and Kogi.
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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