Sports
CAVB President Calls For Education Of Nigerian Coaches
The President of Confederation of Africa Volleyball (CAVB), Amr El-Wani, yesterday called for proper education of Nigerian coaches to improve the game in the country.
He told newsmen in Abuja that Nigeria had lot of talents that needed to be harnessed.
El-Wani said that the Nigerian team needed more training that would make them to focus and be confident in themselves.
According to him, Nigeria have very talented players and we’ll build but what they need is adequate education of the coaches.
“‘They also need to prepare adequately for any tournament.
“To participate in any championship, you have to have at least one year preparation and at least play 100 international matches to prepare you well,” he said.
On the just-concluded U-21 Boys Africa Volleyball Nations Cup in Abuja, El-Wani attributed Team Nigeria’s fifth position to inability of the team to manage pressure.
“Your team is super excellent but the tension and stress in front of your spectators put the team under pressure. This is what happened.
“I am sure the Nigerian team is as equal as anyone in the final, they were only beaten by the stress and overwhelming spectators, officials and coaches,” he said.
Tidesports source reports that Tunisia dethroned defending champions, Egypt to clinch position first, while Egypt came second, Morocco came third, Rwanda and Nigeria came fourth and fifth respectively.
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.