Sports
World Swimming Champions :Why Nigerian Athletes Were Not Allowed To Partake – UAE
The United Arab Emirates has claimed that Nigerian athletes and officials were stopped from participating in the FINA World Swimming Championships holding in the country over COVID-19.
UAE, in a statement through the local organising committee of the competition, hinted that a member of the Nigerian delegation tested positive for Covid-19.
For this reason, all other athletes from Nigeria were asked to quarantine and subsequently withdrawn from the competition.
But the claims by the UAE are contrary to the narratives of the Nigerian athletes and officials.
Tidesports source had reported that Nigeria athletes were denied access to participate in the competition amid diplomatic row among the two countries.
The athletes also explained that none of them had contact with the official that reportedly tested positive.
According to them, when an athlete from Britain tested positive, other members of the team were allowed to participate.
Though the athletes alleged discrimination, UAE denied any form of discrimination against athletes and national teams participating in the competition.
“Since the very beginning of the pandemic, the UAE has implemented health and safety procedures to protect and safeguard the lives and wellbeing of its citizens, residents and visitors.
“The event’s local organising committee (LOC) remains steadfast in its commitment to adhere to these procedures, based on the local health authority regulations.
“As per the safety protocols, anyone who has tested positive for Covid-19, including those in contact with someone who has tested positive, must quarantine immediately. Following robust testing procedures at the World Swimming Championships 2021, the necessary rules were effectively adopted.
“These rules have been applied to all national teams without exceptions. Any claims of discrimination against those who tested positive for Covid-19, including those in close contact with someone who did, are categorically untrue and without merit.” the statement read.
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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