Sports
Ex-Champion Tasks Minister On Boxing Dev
Ex-Commonwealth and British Light Heavy Weight boxing champion, Peter Oboh has urged Sports Minister, Sunday Dare to come up with a blue print on boxing development in the country, even as he regrets that Nigerian flag would not be hoisted at Tokyo 2020 Olympics boxing event.
Oboh, now an apostle of Jesus, wondered why it has become increasingly impossible for Nigerian talents to showcase in boxing at the Olympics in recent years.
“It still baffles me. It is not that we do not have good coaches that can see these talents through, but the lay back attitude of Nigerians in recent time.
“It is time Nigeria selected boxers start touring foreign countries for training ahead of next Olympics. The time is now.
Look at Joshua, I heard he once wanted to box for Nigeria but one thing led to another and he decided to box for Great Britain.
“It is because he went to Britain and look at him today, he is making waves and at the same time making Nigeria proud.
“Let us emulate late Brian Ayonote who showed great enthusiasm in the promotion of boxing in Nigeria.
“We must learn from our mistakes and take boxing in the country more seriously. Nigeria got her first Olympics medal in boxing through Nojeem Mayegun. What has happened to our pro and amateur boxers?
“Nigeria chooses to wait for dying minutes before preparing for important events. This is wrong.
“We must not forget that this Anthony Joshua that we are proud of today is a product of the Olympics Games.”
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.