Sports
MMA Moves To Curb Crime In Rivers
In a bid to curb crime in the society, veteran martial artist, Dr Ebere Bernard, has initiated a Mixed Martial Arts tournament in Rivers State aimed at diverting the attention of the youths from cultism, kidnapping and other related vices.
Bernard, who is the Director, Youths Development, Nigerian Mixed Martial Arts Federation, in an interview with Tidesports source said that on the second day of the international amateur and professional fighters tournament in Ahoada main town, Rivers State, explained that the tournament had a target of 500 youths from rural areas.
“What we are doing now is to go to the local communities, because if you look at almost all the local communities in Nigeria and other parts of Africa, you see that youths are indulging in different kinds of vices: cultism, kidnapping, militancy and others.
“In the next two or three years, I intend to bring as many as 500 youths into Mixed Martial Arts, the campaign is not only in Nigeria, we are also touring round other countries to work with the youths,” he stated.
The organiser noted that scholarship and entrepreneurship were also prepared for the youths who wished to further their studies or start small businesses.
“Africa is full of talents and we know we can still produce many more fighters like Israel Adesanya, Kamaru Usman, Francis Ngano, but for you to be able to find fighters, you need to go to the grassroots, he said.
Speaking at the event, D’Juan Owens, popularly known as Dirty South, an American kickboxing champion, said he came to Nigeria to train young fighters to master mixed martial arts, especially on grappling, a technique that helps fighters tackle their opponents on the ground) in order to give the young fighters a competitive advantage globally.
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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