Sports
Gov Diri Wrestling Tourney To Hold Next Year
The maiden edition of Governor Diri National Open Wrestling Championship, earlier scheduled to hold this month in Yenagoa Bayelsa State has been shifted to the first quarter of next year.
According to the Head Coach, Rivers State Wrestling Association, Eli Oyomunede, the competition was shifted based on further arrangements to adequately prepare to host a hitch free and successful championship that would be memorable in the hearts of participants and the Bayelsa people.
The championship which is expected to be organisied by the Nigeria Wrestling Federation in conjunction with Bayelsa State government is open to all States to participate.
Meanwhile, classes of senior and junior weight to be competed for in Greco Roman are 55kg, 60kg, 63kg 67kg, 72kg, 82kg , 87kg, 97kg and130kg.
For women wrestling 50kg, 53 kg, 55kg, 57,kg, 59kg, 62kg, 65kg, 68kg, 72kg and 76kg, while, Free Style wrestling weight classes are 57kg, 61kg, 65kg,70kg,74kg, 79kg and 125kg.
Junior under 15 Greco Roman weight categories include 38kg, 44kg and 52kg.
Women wrestling, weight clesses are 33kg, 36kg and 42kg.
Also for junior under 15 freestyle, the categories are 38kg,44kg and 52kg
By: Nancy Briggs
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.