Sports
SWAN Tasks LMC On Final League Fixtures …Lauds Paralympians
The President of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Mr Honour Sirawoo has tasked the League Management Company Limited (LMC) to pay particular attention to the last rounds of matches involving the main contenders for this year’s Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) title in order not to jeopardise its achievements so far.
This is as he commends Nigeria’s contingent at the on-going Rio 2016 Paralympic Games for weathering the storm to do the country proud, saying that SWAN would come up with a position on sports in Nigeria during the National Youth Games in Ilorin where the body is expected to hold its convention.
Sirawoo disclosed this in an interview with newsmen shortly after attending the wedding ceremony of the daughter of Nigeria’s ex-international footballer, Chief Adokiye Amiesimaka in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.
He argued that the league title was still within the range of about five teams, emphasizing that at a time like this, desperation is bound to set in leading to critical stakeholders taking actions that could unconsciously or consciously thwart the emergence of a deserved winner.
The SWAN boss urged the LMC, referees, security agencies and sports writers to up their games toward ensuring that the remaining matches pass the fair play and officiating test.
Commenting on the performance of Nigeria’s Paralympians so far, Sirawoo disclosed that the ‘leading role in Africa performance’ being put up by the Nigeria’s contingent is what Nigerians and indeed the world expect of a country with the kind of population and potentials as Nigeria.
The nation’s number one sports journalist opined that the association in keeping with its tradition of converging during major sports summit, is expected to hold its convention during the National Youth Games in Ilorin, Kwara State where its position on the state of Nigeria’s sports would be made known.
He used the opportunity to felicitate with Muslims across the country on the occasion of Eid-El-Kabir celebration urging them to reflect on the mood of the nation and pray for continued peace, unity and economic recovery.
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.
-
Business5 days agoNCDMB Signs Mgt Deal With Radisson, Edison…As Board’s 204 Rooms Hotel Open December 2026
-
Business5 days agoNERC Amends Order on Meter Tampering, Power Bypass For Discos
-
Business5 days agoNigeria, AFC sign $1.3 billion deal to build alumina refinery
-
Rivers5 days agoKENPOLY Rector Promises To Prioritise Students’ Welfare
-
Sports5 days agoInter House Sports Is Where Talents Are Discovered -Rear Admiral Okehie
-
Business5 days agoFG engages foreign investors at PEBEC Roundtable on business environment reforms
-
Sports5 days agoYenagoa City Set For Maiden 10km Marathon
-
Rivers5 days agoDon, Stakeholders Urge Environmental Laws In N’Delta