Sports
Unilorin Basketball Team To Represent Nigeria In Ethiopia
The University of Ilorin’s female 3×3 Basketball team has been selected as one of the two female teams to represent Nigeria at the 9th African University Games holding at Mekelle University, Ethiopia, from July 1 to July 7.
The institution’s Bulletin issued on Monday said that Secretary-General, Nigerian University Games Association (NUGA), Bola Orodele, dropped the hint in a letter he sent to the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Sulyman Abdulkareem.
It stated: “Mr Orodele informed the vice-chancellor that the university’s female basketball team is qualified to represent Nigeria, after emerging as runner up at the recently-concluded national competition in Abuja.
Orodele noted that the best two female teams at the Ethiopian tournament in July will represent Africa at the World University tournament holding later in the year in China.
The Bulletin also indicated that Abdulkareem had inaugurated the National Universities Staff Sports Games, (NUSSA), Games Organising Committee, for the event scheduled for September.
According to the vice-chancellor, the hosting of NUSSA has been awarded to the institution.
He said that the institution’s management would provide 100 per cent logistics to the committee, to ensure a successful hosting of the event.
Abdulkareem called on the committee, headed by Prof. Uche Eke of the Faculty of Physical Sciences to plan ahead, toward a hitch-free event.
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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