Sports
Gusau Dismisses Parallel AFN
President of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria, Engr. Ibrahim Gusau, has expressed delight after being re-elected as President of the AFN for another term of four years on Monday in Kebbi State on a day another election was held in Abuja with Tonobok Okowa emerged President of the AFN recognised by the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development.
Gusau speaking in a chat with Tidesports source after his reelection said the last four years have been a turbulence-filled period and stressed that all these should be set aside to try to focus on the development of Athletics in Nigeria to include the athletes and the sports itself.
He also dismissed the emergence of another President in the Abuja AFN election conducted by the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development while adding that his board is ready to go the length to challenge the illegality of the Ministry’s anointed AFN.
“I feel glad and I’m happy for the stakeholders entrusting this on me to build on the foundation we have put in place. The last four years have been turbulent four years and I think that should be set aside for the progress of athletes and Athletics. The issue of second congress cannot hold water, there is a court judgment and High Court and Appeal Court that clearly says the Ministry should stay away. So these things are very clear but I think they want to go the longer route but I think we are capable enough to go.”
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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