Sports
NTTF’s Vice-President Pledges To Revive Table Tennis
The South-East representative on the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF) board, Ndubuisi Nwobu, has assured that the federation would ensure the revival of the game in the zone.
Nwobu, who is now the federation’s National Vice-President, said he would help to revive and strengthen the synergy between government and the private sector for this purpose.
“It is regrettable that table tennis which used to be a household game is no longer enjoying attention at even the state level because the grassroots foundation it thrived upon had been abandoned,’’ he said.
Nwobu said he would work with the ministry of sports in Anambra to ensure that table tennis returned to schools at all levels.
He also pledged to ensure that players and coaches got exposed to modern techniques.
“I must thank all those who supported me at the elections on June 13, where I won the South-East slot and also became the Vice-President.
“As the leader of table tennis administration team in the zone, my target is to grow the sport from the grassroots.
“Table tennis is one of the most loved games in this country. That is why at every point, on the streets, and at recreation centres and schools, you can see many people playing it for leisure.
“But we are going to harness these potentialities by providing the right leadership, organising competitions, exposing the coaches and players to better training and facilities and getting the best out of them.
“We will lay emphasis on the training of coaches and exposing the officials to modern techniques and also endeavour that we have certified umpires,” Nwobu said.
The NTTF vice-president appealed to sports-loving individuals to support in promoting the game in the country.
“Sports development can only be achieved through effective synergy between the government and the private sector.
“I am convinced that this synergy we are going to build will bring back the glory of tennis in the South-East.
“We are not going to leave it for government alone, but we shall work with them to set up a sustainable structure,” he said.
Nwobu said table tennis enthusiasts would soon begin to witness action at the state, regional, national and international levels, with athletes from the South-East zone taking the lead.
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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