Sports
Deaf Footballers Depart For WADFU Tournament In Mali
A 24-man contingent of the of Nigeria Deaf Football Association (NDFA) on Sunday departed the country for the West Africa Deaf Football tournament holding in Bamako, Mali.
The one week competition will begin on Monday and end on May 15.
The NDFA National Coach, Banjo Kamiludeen, told Tidesports source that the contingent made up of 19 players and five officials jetted out aboard Air Côte d’Ivoire from the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.
The Team Leader, Kamiludeen, named some of the officials as Luke Agbabiaka, Secretary of NDFA, Kabiru Umar, Acting Chairman, Emma Audu, and Assistant Coach, Patrick, who is also a tournament referee.
He said that the footballers were confirmed to be medically fit and technically sound to take their place in various stages of the event organised by West Africa Deaf Football Union.
“Every arrangement concerning this trip was successful and it is on that note that we are boarding now, so our participation in the event is sure.
“We had our normal camp in Teslim Balogun Stadium, where the players underwent rigorous training and necessary medical fitness test and were certified okay before departure.
“The footballers are very happy and in high spirit to face and trash participating teams in this competition because they are experienced and familiar with match technicalities,’’ he said.
Tidesports reports that the NDFA national team have had five appearances in the tournament which began in 2010 and did not feature in the 2016 tournament for lack of funds.
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.