Sports
MFN Wants Inclusion Of Mauythai In NSF
President of Mauythai Federation of Nigeria( MFN), Comrade Paul Egonu, has appealed to National Sports Commission (NSC) to include Mauythai at the forthcoming National Sports Festival (NSF) scheduled to hold in Edo State, early next year.
He lauded the Edo State Sports Council, for adding Mauythai as one of their optional sports to compete for at the NSF.
Comrade Egonu, made the appeal yesterday, in an exclusive interview with Tidesports, in Port Harcourt, saying that the sport is now popular in Nigeria.
Mauythai is being practiced in Nigeria for over a decade. It has been demonstrated in several tournaments and competitions, including NSF.
Over 26 States in the country were already practicing it as a Sport and most times attend international tournament with the country’s flag.
The President explained that the sport has been demonstrated in four different NSF, but two were official that is Edo 2002 and Gateway( Ogun State) 2006.
According to him, 12 States have voluntarily accepted to participate at the NSF, waiting for approval from NSC to include it to be one of the sports.
“ I am appealing to the relevant authorities to include Mauythai in one of sports to be competed for at the forthcoming NSF.
This will increase the number of youths that will go into sporting activities.
As I speak to you about 26 States are now practicing Mauythai with qualified coaches” Comrade Egonu said.
Tonye Orabere
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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