Sports
Coach Lauds RSG For Hosting NBC
The head coach of Badminton, Cross River State, Raphael Eze, has commended the governor of Rivers State Chief Nyesom Wike, for hosting the National Badminton championship in the state.
Eze stated this while briefing sports journalists yesterday at the Alfed Diette Spiff Sports Complex, Port Harcourt, shortly after his player, Jesan Iteng, defeated Delta State player 2-1 in the opening game of the first Rivers State National Badminton Championship in the state.
He called on other states government to emulate the gesture demonstrated by the Rivers State government, saying that the facilities he saw at the venue of the event was marvelous. He explained that every coach was proud, when his player, did a good job when playing a tournament.
“I am happy because my players are injury free during this competition.
The facilities in the venue of the event are owesome”, Eze stated.
Also speaking, a player of Cross Rivers State who won the game, Jesan Iteng, said early preparation for a tournament was good.
He explained that, he trained five times a week to keep fit for the competition.
According to him, his Delta State opponent Ekene Jeremia was a very good player.
“I am preparing for the All African Games in 2019”, Iteng said. He thanked God for the winning his first game of the tournament, adding that his coach Raphae Eze had given him more knowledge of the game.
‘I want to win gold medal in the competition”, Iteng said.
Earlier, Ekene Jeremiah explained that he host control in the game.
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.