Sports
Olympics Qualifiers Camp Opens In Yenagoa, Today
Nigeria Wrestling Federation (NWF) will open camp today in Yenagoa for the forth-coming Africa-Oceania Olympic qualifiers.
The President of the federation, Daniel Igali made this public in a statement at the weekend in Port Harcourt.
“The qualifiers will take place in the Moroccan city of El Jadida from 13th to 15th March.
“During the camping exercise, the wrestlers will be guided by coaches, Purity Akuh, Victor Kodei, Joe Oziti and Happiness Burutu,” Igali said.
He said that 10 wrestlers, who participated and excelled at the recently concluded African Championships in Algiers, would be in camp.
Igali also stated that the wrestlers would train alongside their sparring partners in the Bayelsa capital during the camping period before the final selection and departure for Morocco for the qualifiers.
The NWF boss stated that there were no automatic tickets for athletes as selection would be on merit.
“Seriousness in training, determination and strong desire to compete are some of the criteria that will be used to choose who makes the team to Morocco.
“All invited athletes, with their sparring partners, are expected in Yenagoa latest on Sunday (23rd February) to commence training the next day,’’ Igali said.
Tidesports source gathered that only Odunayo Adekuoroye (57kg) secured qualification to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics so far.
The six-time African champion booked her place in Tokyo by winning bronze at the World Championships in Kazakhstan last year, her third medal at the world stage.
Seven wrestlers represented Nigeria at the last Olympics in Rio.
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.
-
Business2 days agoNERC Amends Order on Meter Tampering, Power Bypass For Discos
-
Rivers2 days agoKENPOLY Rector Promises To Prioritise Students’ Welfare
-
News2 days agoPolice Arrest Nigerian, Two Others For Kidnapping In Edo
-
Business2 days agoNigeria, AFC sign $1.3 billion deal to build alumina refinery
-
Business2 days agoNCDMB Signs Mgt Deal With Radisson, Edison…As Board’s 204 Rooms Hotel Open December 2026
-
Rivers2 days agoDon, Stakeholders Urge Environmental Laws In N’Delta
-
Rivers2 days agoADIAFRICA Flags-off Free Eye Screening Outreach In PH
-
Environment2 days agoIWD: NGO promotes clean energy access for women in Kaduna