Sports
Students Want To Engage In Sports Competitions
Students of Federal Government College, Ilorin, at the weekend expressed their desire to engage in competitive sports that would enable them to represent Nigeria in future.
The students spoke with newsmen after participating in a Cross Country Race Competition organised by the college in Ilorin.
Ahmed Sani, an 18-year-old SSS 3, who won in the boys’ category of the race, said his victory was as a result of his determination to emerge as the winner of the competition.
“I worked hard because I wanted my hostel to get the first position in the forthcoming Inter House Sports Competition and to also become a better athlete in future.
“I started participating in the competition in 2017 and emerged 37th, then 11th in 2018, and my victory this year is as a result of my determination and extra effort.
“I wish to continue participating in sports and with determination, I will represent the country in sporting competitions in the future,” he said.
Ojurongbe Ayooluwa, an 11-year- old JSS 2 student, who won the race in the female category said that she was committed to athletics, especially the long distance race and wished to represent the country in future.
“I used to go for training at the state stadium complex where I learnt many things from Coach Abiodun Adeyemi.
“This had helped me to participate in National Youth Games and National Sports Festival in Abuja in 2018.
“I performed well in the trial stage and represented Kwara State at the national level and got 11th position in the 800-meter race.
“But I wish to continue participating in sports to enable me represent Nigeria in future,” she said.
Tidesports source reports that in the female category, Folorunsho Olorunishomo, a 14-year-old SS 1 student of Hope House, took the second position, while Hameedat Ajala, another 14-year-old SS1 student of Faith House, won the third position.
Okeke Johnson, a 14-year-old SS 1 student of School House won the second position in the male category, while Adebiyi Anthony, a 16-year-old SS3 student of Progress House, took the third position.
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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