Sports
Principals’ Cup: Sports Ministry Rallies Support For Zonal Finals
The Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development has called on sports stakeholders to support and key into the revived National Principals’ Cup Competition as it enters the zonal stages.
The ministry’s Director of Grassroots Sports Development, Dr Ademola Are, told newsmen in an interview yesterday in Abuja that this was crucial to bringing back the glamour of the competition.
He said that the zonal finals which kicked off yesterday in the six geo-political zones of the country would end on March 22, with teams emerging for the grand finale in Abuja.
“We want more support from stakeholders as we enter the zonal stage of the competition, because this is the best of our youth in sports and education on display,” he said.
Are, who is also the Chairman, Main Organising Committee (MOC) of the competition said the expanded competition which now has football, athletics and table tennis was part of efforts to develop sports at the grassroots.
“Thirty seven secondary schools are vying for honours at the zonal finals, from where we will have 24 table tennis players, 144 athletes and six football teams qualifying for the finals in Abuja,” Are added.
Tidesports source reports that states where the zonal finals are holding include: Kaduna (North West), Bauchi (North East), Plateau (North Central), Oyo (South West), Enugu (South East) and Edo state (South South).
He said the grand finale of the competition will hold from March 26 to March 31 at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja with ex-internationals and other dignitaries in attendance.
Tidesports also reports that the revived National Principals Cup is an initiative of the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare, aimed at grassroot sports development, especially in schools.
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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