Sports
MFN Sad Over Not Attending Championship In Morocco
The President of Muaythai Federation of Nigeria (MFN), Comrade Paul Egonu has expressed sadness for not attending the just concluded First Africa Muaythai Championship held in Morocco.
He stated that the inability of their world body to issue confirmation letter denied Nigerian athletes to attend the championship.
Comrade Egonu made this known in an exclusive interview with Tidesports, yesterday in Port Harcourt, that the entire MFN were disappointed because they are prepared mentally and physically to win belts for the country.
He further explained that Nigerian athletes for the competition was in camp since October training for the championship which commenced on the 15th and ended 17th December last year but all went in vain.
According to him, the team Nigeria visas and other logistics were ready to attend the championship.
“I feel pained that after preparing in terms of training and others, we could not attend the competition because letter of confirmation was not sent from our World body.
Besides, that we had already secured our visas and logistics, it is really disappointing. Comrade Egonu said.
The MFN boss, equally said that the championship would have assisted in promoting the sport in Nigeria, because athletes and officials of team Nigeria would have gotten an opportunity to learn new rules and regulations of the sport.
Those who were billed for the trip are; Comrade Egonu E. Paul, President, Mr. Lucky Ebunu, Coach, leader Yahcob K. O. Davies, male boxers are; Robert George, Osaka Oyee and Daniel F. Bassey, while Female boxer is Sarah K. Ukaki and Martins Gabriel, team manager.
Tonye Orabere
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.