Sports
Volleyball Players Hail Legacy Championships
Some volleyball players have lauded the organisers of the ongoing Legacy Volleyball Championships, urging them to put in place more events for the development of the sport.
The competition, in its third edition, served off on November 27 at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos with 22 volleyball teams competing for the championship trophy which would be lifted on December 2.
The players told newsmen that the competition had provided the platform to showcase their passion for the sport and would go a long way to groom future players.
Daji Shedrach of the Unity club said that without the competition, the sport would have been nothing to write home about, being the only competitive event that brings the best players throughout the federation.
“For several years, we have asked for a league to showcase the best of volleyball, but unfortunately it has continued to fall on deaf ears.
“We cannot continue to present the sport in this light when we struggle to play competitive games and people expect volleyball to bring home laurels from international meet,” Shedrach said.
Abdulahi Agboluaje of the Bayelsa team said that the sport had continued to fall, with so many challenges confronting it.
He said: “So much has been said on how to move the sport forward, but so far nothing has been done.
“The ongoing competition has lived up to the expectation by bringing the best players who are game thirsty to give their best and to direct their energy positively.
“Without a competition, how do you show all the training/drills you have received and also develop your skills?”
Loveline Ekannem said that most players had become match rusty, as it is impossible for players to become excellent in their chosen field when they do not have a platform to express themselves.
It was reported that after the closure of games played, Kano defeated A.B.U 3-0 (25-14, 25-16, and 25-23)
Sunshine outclassed Festac 3-0(25-17, 25-23, 25-13) while Ebonyi also beat Unity, 3-0(25-17, 25-16, 25-18).
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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