Sports
NYG: Anambra Threatens To Pull Out Of Competitions
Anambra Karate Coach, Godwin Okoro has said he might pull his team out of national competitions over what he called ‘deliberate effort to frustrate him’ by officials.
Okoro said this after two of his fighters, Nnadozie Blessing(-50kg) and Amarachi Nwafor (55kg) exited the competition at the first and second rounds at the ongoing National Youth Games (NYG) in Ilorin on Monday.
He said while Nnadozie’s fight with Delta State’s Ogene Waguru was abruptly ended in favour of her opponent, Nwafor’s point against Vanessa Hart of FCT was denied her.
Okoro said it was unfair to victimise his team, which took the first position in recent national competitions and represented Nigeria at the African Youth Karate championship in Cotonou, Benin Republic in August.
“I do not know why officials are treating us this way, maybe because we always win, or because I don’t have anybody to speak for me.
“If they do not want us to compete again they should tell us, you can see the general reaction to this injustice,” he said.
Also speaking on the officiating, a former Karate fighter, Blessing, said the decisions were not good for the growth of the game.
“We played this game in the past, we want to see these children compete fairly and the best emerge.
“The decision against Anambra was unfortunate and it’s clear to everybody here.
Reacting to the complaint, a member of the jury, Emma Metu, said there were observed issues in the officiating.
Metu said Youth Games was for talent discovery, noting that the coaches’ decision would not affect the rating of athletes.
He said the federation body would sit to review some of the decisions to forestall confusions while urging coaches to stay calm.
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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