Sports
Coach Want Kids To Be Productive
The Senior Instructor of the DA-F Basketball Academy of Port Harcourt, Coach Fubara Onyanabo has said that, the academy was basically to channel energies of kids towards positive and productive profession.
“Sports is one of the best directions to take the kids out of the streets. I feel so much joy seeing the children happy,” he said.
Onyanabo, who is also the head coach of Under-16 male and female National basketball team said this on Wednesday, during their end of year and award giving programme, at the Port Harcourt basketball court, Rivers State.
“What motivates me mostly is their happiness,” Onyanabo stated.
He disclosed that for the past 20 years DA-F basketball academy has done a lot to impact on the lives of Port Harcourt children, noting that, Rivers Hoopers and DA-F have been winning medals for the state in the National Sports Festivals held previously.
“Basically, what interest me mostly is taking the children off the streets and putting smiles on their faces.
“Recently, we have the first player, Precious Aziwa, from the academy to National Basketball Association (NBA) in America.
“What is most important is to channel the energies of these kids towards positive and productive profession.
“I have made a promise by the grace of God next year seven or eight players from DA-F academy will get scholarship to play basketball in America,” he explained.
Also speaking, the best point guard award winner of the academy for 2020 programme, Abdulmalik Dalhat, said training has really paid him good for winning the award.
“I want to say a very big thank you to coach Fubara Onyanabo for calling me for training every day.
“Coach Onyanabo taught me the right direction, besides, he is like a father to me. I pray that by next year my reward will be bigger than this,” Dalhat said.
The climax of the event was presentation of awards to personalities and distribution of food items to the kids.
By: 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.