Sports
Squash W’Cup:Federation Selects Final 8 For Close Camping
The Nigeria Squash Federation (NSF) has selected the final eight players for close camping ahead of the Men’s World Team Championship in the United States in December.
A total of 22 players, grouped into two, participated in a week long open trials and competed against each other in a round robin format at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.
The trials was aimed at selecting the best for close camping in Ilorin next month ahead of the global showpiece, where Nigeria would be making a first appearance after 20 years.
According to the media officer of NSF, Uchenna Uba, the trials had exposed young talents who eventually made the final eight.
“ We had wanted to invite only the best and senior players we had in mind but we decided to make it open so that everyone will be given a chance.
“The idea paid off as we saw junior players like Onas Adegoke making it to the final.
“The players selected acquired the highest number of points after playing each other in round robin, with a win for three points and loss for zero point.
“We can say we have achieved the aim of the trials but can only hope that the players put in their best to ensure a good outing in the long run, in US,” Uba added.
The players selected in group one are Sadiq Taiwo with 30 points, Onas Adegoke on 27 points while Gabriel Olufunmilayo and Femi Shedara obtained 24 and 21 points respectively.
Group two boasts of Kehinde Samuel ranked in first position with 30 points, Idowu Enimakure with 27, Lanre Abdulrahman on 24 and Victor Daniel on 21 points.
Meanwhile Abubakar Adamu and Desmond Iguodala will join the team as reserves after finishing both on 18 points.
The World Championship is scheduled for December 14 to December 22.
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.