Sports
NUGA 2022: Best Athletes To Represent Nigeria In China–Games President
The President of Nigerian University Games Association (NUGA), Prof Stephen Hamafyelto, has said that delegates for the upcoming 2021 Summer World University Games in China will be selected from the participants of NUGA Games 2022.
Hamafyelto announced this at the weekend at the official opening ceremony of the 26th NUGA games hosted by University of Lagos (UNILAG).
The 2021 Summer World University Games, officially known as the Chengdu 2021 FISU World University Games, is a multi-sport event sanctioned by the International University Sports Federation, scheduled to be held in Chengdu, Sichuan, China from 26 June to 7 July 2022.
Tidesports source reports that the 26th NUGA games, a 12-day event which began March 16 and ends March 27, brings together over 5,000 athletes from 75 Nigerian universities.
13 sporting activities are expected to hold at eight locations in Lagos including the host institution.
Other locations include Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH), National Stadium and Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere.
UNILAG Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, played host to dignitaries including Speaker, House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila; Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare; Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Noimot Salako-Oyedele and Group CEO, Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (GTCO Plc), Segun Agbaje.
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.