Sports
Boxer Advises NBF On Preparation For Games
Ahead of major international competitions, a Super Heavyweight boxer, Ajagba Efe, has urged the Nigeria Boxing Federation (NBF) to provide the necessary facilities and logistics for boxers to perform credibly.
Ajagba spoke against the backdrop of his poor performance at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games in an interview with newsmen in Lagos.
Tidesports gathered that Ajagba, Nigeria’s only boxer to the Games, lost at the quarter-finals to the world’s number two pugilist in the heavyweight category, Ivan Dychko,.
“It is very important to put everything in place for the boxers who went through tough stages to qualify the country for major Games at any level.
“It’s necessary for boxers who have qualified for Games to have their sparring partners in the contingent so that their final stage of training can be effective.
“I have to give this advice because of my experience in last year’s Olympics where I had my coach and two other officials without a sparring partner in camp.
“That really affected me because I was only following the instructions of my coach without a sparring partner to contend with, so such skimpy arrangements should be avoided in subsequent tournaments,’’ he said.
The 22-year-old boxer urged the federation to consider the inclusion of sparring partners and make its proposals early to the Ministry of Youth and Sports for prompt release of funds.
“The only way the federation can meet its needs is to approach the sports authorities with adequate budget that must include sparring partners in the team list,’’ he said.
It would be recalled that Ajagba, won a gold medal in the men’s Super Heavyweight class beating Keddy Angnes of the Seychelles 3-0 in the final of the 2015 African Games in Brazaville, Congo.
He also asked the federation to ensure exposure of boxers to many competitions before major games, noting that it would enhance their skills.
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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