Sports
Force Headquarters Emerges Winners At Police Games
Force Headquarters (FHQ), Abuja, at the weekend dethroned Zone 2 to emerged as the overall winner of the Nigeria Police Games tagged “Anambra 2020”.
Tidesports source reports that FHQ garnered a total of 274 medals comprising of 118 gold, 80 silver and 74 bronze to top the overall medals table to relegate defending champions Zone 2 to 2nd place with 230 medals.
The medals table showed that Zone 2 (Lagos and Ogun) had gold, 83 silver 85 and 62 bronze to finish the games as runners up while Zone 11 placed 3rd with total of 156 medals of 53 gold, 48 silver and 55 bronze.
Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra, while declaring the games closed urged the athletes to project the state in positive light having enjoyed the hospitality and peace of residents of the state.
“When I reflect on what has happened here since we gathered here only last Saturday, I begin to realise that so much has happened in just one week.
“Again, when I reflect on what has happened, I begin to realise that we can write a new sporting chapter of history in one week and that we can also write a new book of greatness in one week.
“History and greatness is what this games has done and we have put out an amazing narrative of excellence in one week.
“Hosting the 12th edition of the biennial police games has brought out the best in us; nothing else unites a people like sports and nothing renews national unity and heals the cracks between people like sports.
“I have no doubt that many of the participants of this games may never have visited Anambra if not for “Anambra 2020”.
“I am sure that after experiencing Anambra for seven days, the athletes and officials will have a more balanced view of the state and a richer story to tell,” Obiano said.
The governor urged the participants of the games to preach the success story of the state to their respective states, families and friends.
Obiano boasted that Anambra had become a destination of choice for those seeking for peace.
He expressed joy that the games was successfully concluded without any unpleasant incident.
It would be recalled that 12 Zones of the Nigeria Police Force including Force Headquarters participated in the games which took place in over 10 centres in Anambra.
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.