Sports
2019 FIBA World Cup Qualifiers: Venue Wears New Look
With three days to dunk off the 2019 FIBA Men’s World Cup qualifiers, the Indoor Sports Hall, Surulere, Lagos, is wearing a new look as renovation continues ahead of the competition which begins on June 29.
The renovation being carried out by the Nigeria Basketball Federation is coming more than three decades after the stadium was commissioned in 1972.
The NBBF President, Musa Kida, while inspecting the project expressed satisfaction with the progress recorded so far in turning around the venue to host the qualifiers.
He told newsmen that the renovation which could not be carried out by past presidents of the federation was now a reality.
“This project which should have been done by the Federal Government is currently being carried out by our federation because we are partners in progress when it comes to sports development.
“We are happy with the way work is going on and we are optimistic that the venue will be ready before Friday, Jump Ball Day.
“The lights have been fixed, the dressing rooms are ready, toilets and bathrooms for players and fans are now in top shape, while filling of cracked walls have been completed.
“The contactors are now focused on painting the exterior of the facility,’’ Kida said.
Kida thanked some of the organisations that assisted them in the renovation.
He said that they had done greatly in ensuring that the federation fulfilled its obligations in getting the facility ready on time.
Kida also promised that the federation would continue to provide quality and transparent leadership for all stakeholders.
“In a short space of time that we assumed office, we have been able to attract credible institutions that are ready to partner with us in our vision of taking basketball to a new height.
“This is a new frontier we are exploring, bringing international basketball closer to our fans in Nigeria and we are grateful to our sponsors for their unwavering contributions,’’ he said.
Nigeria will compete alongside Mali, Rwanda and Uganda in the 2nd window of the World Cup qualifiers from June 29 to July 1at the Lagos sports city.
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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