Sports
Egbaland Squash Tourney On Hold
The Royalty Club of
Egbaland (RCE), sponsors of the maiden Alake of Egbaland National Junior Squash Tournament, yesterday said it would be held to commemorate the coronation anniversary of the monarch.
Tidesports gathered that the Alake, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo III, was installed on November, 2, 2005 in Abeokuta, Ogun as the paramount ruler of Egbaland.
The RCE’s President, Bayo Sodade, told newsmen that the club would work closely with the Professional Squash Players Association of Nigeria (PSPAN) to ensure the success of subsequent editions.
The second edition had been planned for this month but had to be postponed indefinitely as the PSPAN claimed that they were boycotting the competition because of undue demands by the sponsors.
The PSPAN President, Seun Peters, had told newsmen Wednesday that “the sponsor wanted it to be strictly for players of Egba origin which is unfair.
“We couldn’t accept his terms as the players’ representatives; we can’t sell them out like that’’.
But the Solade said: “The tournament initially billed to hold annually, has been stepped down and will be repackaged to hold at milestone celebrations of Alake’s coronation anniversaries.
“Unfortunately, there was communication gap between us and the PSPAN which was not deliberate but due to some unforeseen happenings which misrepresented our objective.
“The name Egba means “egba won sile’’ (meaning accommodate them); we don’t segregate in Egbaland.
“We believe in one Nigeria; when our king celebrates 15 years on the throne we will have an open tournament.
“RCE has being hosting a monthly squash clinic at Ake Palace in the past eight years to promote squash racket and encourage Egba youths to embrace the game in support of the Alake.
“The Alake as you know is an accomplished squash player.
Sodade told newsmen that the RCE is working in conjunction with Ajisewa Egba Foundation to intervene the areas of sports facilities’ rehabilitation, construction and equipment in Ogun.
“Our priority is to renovate the following facilities and institutions, the Oba Lipede Mini Stadium, Ijeja, abandoned Squash Court at Abeokuta Grammar School.
“And also to renovate the facilities at Moshood Abiola Polytechnic and Federal University of Agriculture all in Abeokuta as part of our social responsibility,’’ Solade.
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.
-
News1 day agoPolice Arrest Nigerian, Two Others For Kidnapping In Edo
-
Business23 hours agoNERC Amends Order on Meter Tampering, Power Bypass For Discos
-
Business23 hours agoNigeria, AFC sign $1.3 billion deal to build alumina refinery
-
Rivers23 hours agoKENPOLY Rector Promises To Prioritise Students’ Welfare
-
Nation1 day agoPerm Sec Explains Success Of FGM Elimination Programme In Rivers
-
News1 day agoNDLEA Arrests Ex-Councillor With 40kg Skunk, Recovers Drugs In Diapers
-
Rivers23 hours agoDon, Stakeholders Urge Environmental Laws In N’Delta
-
Rivers23 hours agoADIAFRICA Flags-off Free Eye Screening Outreach In PH