Sports
Okowa Urges Team Delta To Retain Trophy
Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State Governor has urged the Team Delta to go all out to retain the trophy at the 5th National Youth Games (NYG) holding in Ilorin, Kwara.
The governor, gave the advice in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Olisa Ifeajika, in Asaba yesterday.
He said that as the Defending Champions of the games, the team must surpass its last year’s performance by increasing the medals’ tally.
Okowa said that the team was well prepared and motivated enough to make the state proud again as the number one in sports in the country.
“Since the completion of the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba, we have continued to take steps toward improving sports facilities and enhancing sports development in the state.
“As part of our `Stronger Delta’ agenda, sports remain one of the cardinal objectives in our quest to make the state stronger in all spheres.
“We have continued to dominate in every facet of sports in the country, because of our sustained investments in the industry and youth development.
“We will not relent in harnessing the potential of abundant talents in our dear state for the good of our nation,’’ Okowa said.
According to him, Delta seeks to retain the trophy which it had won for four consecutive times since the commencement of the games in 2012.
“A team of 750-member contingent, including 400 athletes, departed the camp at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba, on Saturday.
“The team will participate in 34 sports, including swimming, wrestling, combat and track and fields, at the games which begin tomorrow and will end on September 17,’’ the governor said.
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.