Sports
Squash: Muscle Cramp Forces Enimakure Out Of Semi-Final
An upcoming squash
player Idowu Enimakure yesterday that crashing out of the squash league final due to muscle cramp was his greatest nightmare.
Enimakure in an interview with newsmen in Lagos, said that he was yet to get over the shock.
Tidesports report that he could not continue the match against Sodiq Taiwo, a former number one, after the second round which ended 2-2, the deciding round was retired due to Enimakure’s injury.
The Professional Squash Players Association of Nigeria (PSPAN) organises a league for its members.
PSPAN was borne out of the need to organise regular competition to improve the competitive skills of it members since 2012.
“I still can’t get over the fact that I lost out in such a manner; its so painful after working so hard.
“This is a keenly competed tournament, we play all through the year to get to the final, so you can imagine the hard work put into it.
“I just watched all my hard work all through the year slipped away due to injury,’’ Enimakure said.
He however told newsmen he has resumed training.
“Painful as it was, as a professional I can’t continue to dwell on that. I have resumed training, and its going on well.
“Next season begins in January I need to make up for this year’s disappointment.
“It won’t be easy, but making it to the final has woken up something in me,’’ he said.
This year’s league was sponsored by Femi Adeyemo and Capt. Dayo Awobokun and held at the Apapa Club.
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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