Sports
Africa Wrestling Championship: Rivers Set To Win Gold Medals
The Rivers State Wrestling Association, has reiterated its readiness to win gold medals for the state in the forthcoming Africa Wrestling Championship scheduled to be hosted by Rivers State, next year in Port Harcourt.
Chief Coach of the association, Eli Oyonomunede, disclosed this yesterday in an interview with Tidesports in Port Harcourt.
According to him, the state which is the chief host of the competition has to work without relenting to ensure that they win more medals at the competition, saying that intensive preparations are on ground to enable the team achieve its set goal.
However, the team has promised to leave no stone unturned in achieving its target come 2018, adding that, the championship is important as well as winning medals far the state.
“I know that Nigeria is blessed with seasoned and competent wrestlers who can represent the country and make us proud but Rivers athletes are equally poised to do both the state and country proud at the forthcoming wrestling competition”, coach Oyonomunede said.
The state wrestling boss noted that early preparation is the key to success, and the body is now organising trials outside the normal daily training exercise as part of preparations for the task ahead.
He said that the efforts being made to achieve their target would not be in vain, because the athletes are ready and determined to win gold medals for their fatherland.
Coach Oyonomunede, advised the wrestlers to be committed and remain focus on their target, adding that the sky would be their stepping stone, if only they would take their training and instruction even more seriously.
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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