Sports
Commonwealth Games: 12 Wrestlers To Represent Nigeria
The President of Nigeria Wrestling Federation (NWF), Daniel Igali, yesterday said 12 wrestlers would represent the country at the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, Australia next month.
“The team comprises six male and six female wrestlers in the various weight categories,’’ he told Tidesports source.
Igali listed the female wrestlers to include 2014 Commonwealth champion Odunayo Adekuoroye in the 57kg category and eight-time African champion Blessing Oborududu in the 68kg category.
“Others are Commonwealth bronze medalist Blessing Onyebuchi in the 76kg category, 2014 Commonwealth champion Aminat Adeniyi, two-time African champion and 2015 African Games gold medalist Mercy Genesis in the 50kg category, and African champion Bose Samuel in the 53kg category,’’ he said.
The NWF president said those in the male category include 2010 Commonwealth Games gold medalist Sinivie Boltic, in the 125kg, and six-time African champion Amas Daniel in the 65kg category.
“The rest are African champion Melvin Bibo in the 86kg category, Commonwealth silver medalist Welson Ebikewenimo in the 57kg category, former African champion Soso Tamarau in the 97kg category and Amos Assizecourt in the 74kg category,’’ he said.
Igali also explained the reason behind the non-inclusion of John Ogbonna-Emmanuel, currently ranked world number one in the 70kg freestyle category by the United World Wrestling (UWW), in the national team.
“He was not selected because he is in a non-Commonwealth Games weight class,’’ the NWF president said.
He said the wrestlers picked for the Games were selected at the Gov. Wike Wrestling Championship held in Port Harcourt last year.
“We used tournaments to select the teams. But if there is a compelling case, we make decisions in the best interest of the country,” Igali explained.
Tidesports source that Boltic will be making his fourth Commonwealth Games appearance, while Amas and Oborududu will also make their respective third appearance.
Tidesports also reports that the wrestlers have been in camp for about a month in Yenagoa and Port Harcourt preparing for the Games.
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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