Sports
Wrestling: Nigeria Will Perform Better In Commonwealth Games – Igali
The President, Nigerian Wrestling Federation, Daniel Igali, says Nigerian wrestlers’ performance at the just-concluded African Wrestling Championships in Port Harcourt, will spur them for more successes at the forthcoming Commonwealth Games.
Igali made the assertion yesterday in Port Harcourt when African President, United World Wrestling Federation (WWF) Fouad Meskout, visited his Wresting Theatre in Yenagoa, Bayelsa.
He said that Nigerian wrestlers won a total of 50 medals, comprising 22 gold, 28 silver and a bronze at the championships.
Igali said the wrestlers had commenced camping in preparation for the Commonwealth Games, noting that many of them were currently in his wresting theatre in Yenagoa.
“Athletes from across 14 countries in Africa are currently camping ahead of the Commonwealth Games coming up in April.
“In six weeks time, we’re going to the Games in Gold Coast, Australia and Nigerian athletes aim to consolidate on the successes of the just-concluded African Wrestling Championships,’’ he said.
On the wrestling theater, Igali said it was meant for the training of experienced and talented wresters, not only from Bayelsa but from across Africa.
“This centre is called `More than Medals Camp’ and this is where athletes can train and become professionals; coaches here are drawn from among professional wrestlers across the continent.
“At the moment, athletes from 14 African countries are in Yenagoa to train and also get themselves to fraternise because here is the cradle of wrestling in Nigeria,’’ he said.
Reacting, Meskout, African President, commended Nigerian athletes on their outstanding performance at the championships in Port Harcourt, that “Africa is proud of them’’.
While rating the wrestling theatre, he said the facility was up to standard and called on the government and other corporate organisations to support sports development.
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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