Sports
Rivers Receives Sports Festival Torch
The Rivers State Government, yesterday received the National Sports Festival torch tagged “ Edo 2020” at Alfred Diete Spiff Sports Complex, Moscow Road, Port Harcourt.
Receiving the torch on behalf of the State Government, the Commissioner for Sports, Hon. Boma Iyaye, tasked the State athletes to perform better than the previous editions.
Hon. Iyaye gave the charge shortly after he received the festival torch, that signifies unity, peace and friendship, from the Director Youth and Sports Development, in the Federal Ministry of Sports, Sylvester Essiet.
According to him, team Rivers will not only participate, but will be the best in the competition, adding that team Rivers has won the festival before, so should will not be difficult to do it again.
“We are not just going for Edo 2020, but we will make sure we are counted among the best teams. We are aiming to be the best in the committee of states,” Iyaye said.
The commissioner commended governor Nyesom Wike-led administration for giving sports development priority both in and out of the state, saying that the governor has done so much in terms of sports development.
He equally thanked the sports ministry and council, for their ability to manage the sectors effectively within the period there were no commissioner and permanent secretary.
Earlier, Essiet, who is also the South South zonal coordinator of “ Edo 2020,” said the torch was a symbol that represented peace, unity and friendship.
“ As I present the torch, I pray that peace, unity and friendship will see us throughout the tournament, “ Essiet said.
By: Tonye Orabere/Kiadum Edookor
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.