Sports
NSF: Weightlifting Coach Expresses Readiness To Supersede Past Records
Head Coach of the Rivers State Weight lifting Association, Aduche Ojadi, has said that his team is set to supersede its record made at the “Eko 2012” National Sports Festival (NSF) at the forth coming National Sports Festival (NSF) scheduled to hold this year in Abuja.
According to him, the team has commenced its weekly trials held every Friday as part of preparations for the National Sports Fiesta which is expected to be hosted by Abuja.
He stated that preparations are in top gear, saying that he has competent athletes on ground that can deliver when the chips are down.
“We are preparing seriously for the task ahead, including the forth coming National Youth Games (NYG), in Ilorin. We have progressed to a level where we can say that we are ready, but we still need to go into camping to further fortify the preparations made so far ahead of the competitions.
Speaking on the NYG, he explained that they have some under-17 athletes on ground for the games scheduled to hold from 7-17 September, this year.
He promised to leave no-stone unturned in ensuring that the team Rivers Weight lifters had a better outing at the NYG and NSF when it finally gots under way.
He further advised the athletes to remain focused and not relent in their commitment to excel in their chosen career, saying that hard work is the key to success.
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.