Sports
‘Our Goal Is To Push Nigerian Golfers Internationally’
Samson Lawal, Executive Director, Professional Golfers Association (PGA) of Nigeria, says the goal of the association is to push golf players in the country internationally.
The PGA boss spoke with newsmen in Lagos during an inspection visit to Nigeria by Martin Westphalia of PGAs of Europe.
Tidesports source learnt that Westphalia was in the country on the possibility of affiliating Nigeria PGA to the PGAs of Europe.
“The inspection visit is to fulfill the last of the conditions for full membership of the PGAs of Europe.
“Moreso, this will enable our members to benefit from all the opportunities that are available to members of PGAs of Europe,” Lawal said.
Also speaking at the briefing, Westphalia, Director of Golf Development PGAs of Europe, said that Nigerian has great potential.
“What is being done here today is history in the making, the results may not be immediately, it might take 10 to 15 years but PGA Nigeria will be better for it.
“ I will be inspecting the facilities here to see, I hope that it goes well.
“ I believe that this is going to be a good experience for me also, learning and understanding how things work in this county,” he said.
He urged the PGA to align itself with the Nigeria Golf Federation (NGF) in order to groom young talents and also help them focus on education.
“ I believe so much in the power of education so we must teach these young ones early enough to be educated and to understand golf.
“They need to be educated not just about golf but whatever area of specialisation,” Westphalia said.
Tidesports also report reports that the Ikoyi Club in Lagos and IBB Golf Course in Abuja were among facilities to be inspected.
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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