Sports
48 Teams Set For Lagos 3X3 B’ball Tour
No fewer than 48 teams
would participate in the maiden Lagos 3×3 Basketball Tour which will hold from November, 5 to December, 3 in five centres across the state.
Howell Alusi, the promoter of the tour, told newsmen at a news conference yesterday at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos, that the match would be played in five venues.
He said matches would be played at the Ilupeji Sports Arena on November, 5, Lagos State Parks and Garden on November, 12 in Ikeja and Rowe Park Sports Centre in Yaba on November, 19.
Others venues are YMCA Outdoor Court in Ikoyi on November, 26, while the final will hold on December, 3 at Teslim Balogun Stadium.
Alusi added that the programme was initiated to create an enabling environment for basketball players to visit sports centres to play the game.
“This event is different from the normal competitions, where basketball players will have the opportunity to compete and showcase their talent without going to sport centres.
“It is urban in nature and endorsed by the International Basketball Federation (FIBA).
“The competition will be a round robin game and two teams will be selected from the centres,’’ he said.
Also, Chairman of the Lagos State Sports Commission, Deji Tinubu described the upcoming event as a new dimension in bringing people together through sports.
Tinubu said that such events are massive outside the country, adding that it could also be massive in the country through awareness.
“The competition is a different kind of basketball game because the participants must be fit, skilful and combine it with entertainment.
“We want to take basketball out of the traditional centres and hand to it to the public place to entice people to the sport.
“Our aim is to make Lagos a sports hub and develop a sport culture,’’ he said.
The winner of the tour will receive a cash prize of N200, 000, while awards will be presented to the various categories of the competition.
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.