Sports
US To Promote Baseball In Nigeria
The Information Officer at the U.S. Embassy, Abuja, Russell Brooks, said the U. S. was willing to partner with Nigeria to promote the game of baseball in the country.
Brooks spoke to Tidesports source on the sidelines of a baseball youth programme in Abuja.
He said that the camp, which opened at the weekend with an exhibition match and presentation of certificates of participation by the organisers at the Baseball pitch of the Package B National Stadium.
The week-long youth baseball camp, which was organised by the U. S. embassy and the Baseball Tomorrow Academy, featured a former major league baseball pitcher, Jeremy Guthrie,.
“Nigerians love sport and they share that in common with Americans.
“We are a sports crazy country and certainly any opportunity we have to promote collaboration between our countries is something we want to do,” he said.
No fewer than 60 youths drawn from five states in the country participated in the programme and were taught various skills in the game of baseball.
They also recieved instructions and technical advice on how to improve their skills to become better baseball players.
Brooks said that the future of the game in the country was bright, adding that all that was required was more training and opportunities for the youths to play.
“Today the children were able to put to use all the education and training about baseball which they received during the course of the programme.
“So they put it all together. We saw the pitchers doing a great job and the batters hitting the ball very well.
“That showed they had learnt a lot even with the few days they had with the former major league baseball player.
“Obviously, if they continue to play and have opportunities to receive good coaching, well I think the future is very bright for these young children,” he said.
He explained that the programme, among others things, aimed at providing the youths with instructions and life skills, adding that the U. S. embassy was always a willing partner of such programmes.
“We at the U. S. embassy are always interested in supporting programmes that empower youths and encourage them to succeed because we recognise that the youth represent the future of Nigeria.
“We want Nigeria to be a strong and prosperous country and that can only be possible if the youths are empowered to be successful and educated citizens.
“So, it is our pleasure to have been part of this programme. It was indeed a fantastic success and we want to thank Guthrie for his participation as well as Baseball Tomorrow Academy for their contribution.
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.