Sports
PGAN Lauds Gov Over Golf Tournament
The tournament director of Professional Golfers Association of Nigeria (PGAN), Johnbull Dangorfa, has disclosed that the Governor of Plateau State, Rt. Hon. Simon Bako Lalong, has volunteered to sponsor a tournament where professionals will compete for the sum of to million naira as first prize money.
Dangorfa, who made this known to Tidesports source, on Monday in Port Harcourt said the tournament was scheduled to hold at Rayfield Golf Club 1913, Jos, Plateau State, that took the teeoff last Monday and the climax will be last Sunday.
He lauded the noble and benevolent gesture of Plateau State Governor and said the event will also be used to commission the redesigned 18 green course at the Rayfield Golf Club.
According to him, the sponsor of the governor is the life Vice President of PGAN and he has been very supportive towards the game of golf especially among professionals.
“He is desirous to ensure that golf attains its pinnacle in Nigeria and other sports “Dangorfar said.
The PGAN president urged other state governors to emulate the gesture of the Plateau State Governor and sponsor a similar tournament with huge prize money tag in their respective states, adding that such venture will boost the development of the game in the country.
The seasoned professional golfer, however enjoined his fellow pros to take advantage of the tournament and use their participation in the tourney to sharpen their skills in preparation for other major opens coming within and outside the shores of Nigeria.
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.