Sports
$75,000 For Grab At Abuja ITF Tennis Tour
The ITF World Tennis Tour – M25 events for 2019 will begin on Monday in Abuja with the tombim Abuja Open, the Tournament’s Director, Ikani Agabi, Nigeria Tennis Federation (NTF), Ikani Agabi, said last Friday.
The three events — Tombim Abuja Open, Dayak Tennis Championship, and the GSL Open — hold at the Abuja National Stadium and go with 25,000 US dollars prize money each.
Agabi said the three tournaments’ sponsorship was in collaboration with the NTF and other sponsors . Tombim Nigeria Limited, Dayak Nigeria Limited and Gladiators Systems Limited.
He added that the tournaments, which are male-only events, would feature singles and doubles matches.
“The finals of the singles events are scheduled for April 14, April 21 and April 28, while the doubles’ finals will be on April 13, April 20 and April 28.’’
Agabi disclosed also that the competition was borne out of a desire to provide opportunities for Nigeria’s players to collect vital ATP points.
“It is also to help attract some of the best up-and-coming players in the world to play in Nigeria.
“The organizers also want to use the competition to show that Nigeria is not as bad as it is portrayed around the world.
“The firm belief of the organizers is that events of this nature will contribute positively to building the structure of Nigerian tennis and the images of Nigeria internationally’’.
Meanwhile, Dayo Akindoju, MD/CEO of Dayak Nigeria Limited and president of NTF, also said the tour would promote further development in the sport.
“The NTF is taking Nigeria to the next level in tennis through these events, and the World Tour, Challenger Series and others are coming up very soon in Abuja”.
He assured that all facilities were in place for a successful tournament, with a lot of renovation done in the past few days.
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.