Sports
NAWIS Wants More Women In Sports
The Founder of the Nigeria Association of Women in Sports (NAWIS), Florence Adeyanju has called for the involvement of more women in sports to increase Nigeria’s performance at the international level.
Adeyanju made the call at the inauguration of the Abuja chapter of NAWIS in Abuja.
She said there must be a change of attitude by the public on the way women in sports were being perceived in negative light.
According to him, If Nigeria wants enhanced achievement in sports; there is need for increased involvement of women.
“If Nigeria aspires to attain greatest heights in international competitions, there must be a change of attitude regarding the treatment and stigma attached to women in sports.
“There can be no sports development in this country without women,’’ she said.
Adeyanju said that the association was born out of the desire to correct the perception given to women in sports.
The founder also said that sports should be viewed in relation to self actualisation, self esteem, confidence, health and human rights, regardless of gender.
According to the founder, NAWIS clamours for a culture where girls and women, who have been deprived of participation in sports are given the chance to do so.
“This is the desire of the group, to see that women have equal access and support in sports at all levels and in all capacities.
“To achieve these goals, NAWIS has embarked on enlightenment programmes to raise the society’s awareness on the many benefits of women participating in sports
“To dispel myths and taboos that plague women participation in sports for so long,’’ she said.
Adeyenju noted that it was on record that achievements of women in sports at international competitions have surpassed that of the men.
She said that NAWIS Abuja chapter could achieve these goals of the association through the devotion and dedication of all members.
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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