Sports
NPA/ GTCO Polo Tourney Begins In Lagos
The GTCO Lagos International Polo Tournament makes a return after 24 months, with 30 teams vying for honours in four major cup titles.
The teams would compete for honours in four major cups categories: Silver Cup, Lagos Low Cup, Open Cup and the event’s biggest prize, the Majekodunmi Cup respectively.
Tidesports source reports that for the first time, the event which started Monday, would be decided over three weeks , with eight teams jostling for the Open Cup from February 8 to 13.
The Majekodunmi Cup holds from February 14 to 20, with five teams from Abuja, Kano, Jos and host Lagos battling for the top prize, while 17 teams from across the country will battle for honours in the Low Cup and the Silver Cup respectively from February 22 to 27.
Six other prizes: the Oba of Lagos Cup, Adedapo Ojora Memorial Cup, Italian Ambassador’s Cup, Independence Cup, Lagos Heritage Cup and Chief of Naval Cup are also on offer during the fiesta reputed as the oldest polo tournament in the country, dating back to the early 1900s.
“It’s going to be three weeks of thrilling polo experience for our esteemed sponsors, partners and lovers of the noble game,” Tournament Manager, Seyi Oyinlola disclosed at a press conference in Lagos on Monday.
Oyinlola, who commended GTBank, the main sponsors, stated that having gained reputation as the biggest polo tournament in West Africa, the Lagos Polo Club looked forward to delivering great values for the sponsors and participants during the event.
Polo captain, Rotimi Makanjuela, who gave a breakdown of the teams, added that professional players from Argentina, United Kingdom, South Africa, and professional umpires would feature in the tournament.
Polo Club president, Ayo Olashoju, stated that the club was rejuvenated with the continuous infrastructural upgrade stressing that the entire club had been primed for safety of players and horses in line with international standards.
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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