Sports
Nigerians Task Ministry On Abuja Stadium Maintenance
Nigerians have urged the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development to ensure that the newly refurbished Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja is not left to rot again.
The stadium renovation was made possible courtesy of the Federal Government’s Adopt-A-Pitch initiative aimed at private sector collaboration to uplift sports facilities in the country.
The stadium hosted its first official football match in years when the women’s U-20 side Falconets took on Cameroon in a Costa Rica 2022 U-20 Women World Cup qualifier recently.
Tidesports source gathered that the stadium will also host the Super Eagles’ Qatar 2022 World Cup qualifying play-off second leg fixture against Ghana next month.
According to Dare, the contractors of the stadium will continue the maintenance of the facility for the next two years, before handing it over to the FG.
Nigerians pleaded with the government to ensure that the facility was not left decay again.
“Maintenance is the major problem. To build or renovate isn’t a problem, after two or three years now it will be competing with Sambisa forest,” @oyegbenrokola wrote on Twitter.
Another Twitter user @007Caesar added, “Very nice stadium, I hope they maintain it and not turn it into a venue for political campaigns and allies instead of the purpose it was built for.”
Orji Kingsley tweeted, “It’s not the renovation that is the problem but maintenance. Will they maintain it? It breaks my heart whenever I see the state of Berger right now compared to like just five years ago when it was renovated.
“Nigeria has no maintenance culture. Just give it a couple of years, the Adamasingba will look better than it. The National Stadium Surulere is now a hobo hotspot. People in charge would rather siphon the money to a bank abroad and pay huge taxes hiding it there.” Smoocho Inana stated.
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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