Sports
Four-Year-Old Dandyson Aspires To Become Professional Golfer
Four-year-old Lewis Dandyson says he aims to become one held Nigeria’s all-time great golfers having won his first major golf tournament at the one day golf championships in Port Harcourt last Wednesday.
Tidesports source gathered gathered that Olypmpafrica UNIPORT Centre Sports Institute, University of Port Harcourt, hosted the one-day golf tournament at the Port Harcourt Club Golf 1928.
The tournament had different categories for the boys and girls, however, little Dandyson defeated older golfers in the 6 to 8 years category though not up to that age.
Tidesports gathered that little Dandyson made his unexpected entry into the golf championships last year at the age of three years, six months old at the Awa Ibrahim Junior Golf Open Championships, held at Ikeja Golf Club.
There, the young golfer accompanied by his mum to the Ikeja Golf Club venue of the championship, left many who gave him no chance of any performing astonished.
Aspiring Dandyson, however, played 64 in 4 holes to the surprise of the spectators.
Relishing his experience at the Port Harcourt tournament, Dandyson told newsmen yesterday that he was well prepared to take up the challenge of becoming a star by registering for it.
Apparently, considering his age, the organisers asked him to play one hole because they never believed he could play four holes.
Dandyson, a first year pupil of Navy Primary School, Rumouorlumeni, Port Harcourt, to the surprise of many, won his category with 19 in a hole and was presented with a certificate.
Seeing his doggedness in golf, one of the dignitaries at the event Justice Dezen Okocha, said: “He is a champion of all champions because of his boldness.
“I doubted if he could play, but he proved himself,’’ he said.
En route his interest in golf, Dandyson’s mum, Noble, told newsmen that he took interest in golf while accompanying his father who is also a golfer to the golf course.
“His dad take him to the golf course and that is where he took the interest from seeing that he is much interested by trying to hold the golf stick, we decided to encourage him.
“From there, we began to give him light training and tutorials on golf and he was picking fast. He is a fast learner.
“Last year, he was there just as a participant but seeing that he is ready for major, we registered him for the competition and he did not disappoint.
“I think he is ready to play golf to any level; he is cool and focuses on golf,’’ she said.
Explaining further on how little Dandyson could realise the dream of becoming one of the great golf exports from Nigeria, his mother said that they (parents) were ready to support him.
“We are ready to support him to any level; we are also ready to sponsor him to tournaments both within and outside the country.
“Seeing Dandyson play golf is an inspiration to us, that is what he like doing next to his studies. He loves golf and that was written all over him.
“Lewis is a boy who we notice that he does any task given to him satisfactorily. He plays golf with joy not minding the time he is called upon.
“If you call him out anytime his enthusiasm will surprise you. He can play for hours in spite of his age,’’ she said.
The first price for the U-12 girls’ category was carted away by Favour Nonso of Government Girls Secondary School Ngboshimini.
Henry Harry from Navy Primary School, Pathfinder beat other golfers to in the U-10 boys to emerge champion and also as the best player of the tournament.
Sports
Inter House Sports Is Where Talents Are Discovered -Rear Admiral Okehie
Sports
Yenagoa City Set For Maiden 10km Marathon
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.
Sports
NSC rewards Ogun State Athlete N3m
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.
