Sports
Coach Describes Clinic As Avenue To Discover Talent
A basketball coach in Rivers State, Larma Johnson has described the ongoing second edition of the DA-F Youth Basketball Festival in Port Harcourt as an avenue for youths who want to take the game as a career in life.
According to him, the clinic has discovered and improved lot of players, not only in Rivers state but the country in general, adding that he saw lots of improvement from those who participated in the clinic last year.
Johnson, who is a retired Army Officer made the assertion on Wednesday in an exclusive interview with Tidesports at the basketball court in Port Harcourt.
He thanked the organizer of the program Coach Fubara Onyenabo for staging the clinic, adding that the program is there to give more knowledge to those who are ready to learn about the game.
“I came to Rivers State since 1987 because of basketball.
“This clinic is an avenue for those who want to take game of basketball to the next level.
“I see a lot of Improvement from those who participated in the program last year.
“There are lots of development in this year’s edition of the clinic.
“The people I saw last year, seeing them now, they have improved on their skills” Johnson said.
He noted that those that were not able to dribble with the ball last year were now dribbling with the ball.
He used the medium to call on basketball scouts to come to Port Harcourt where they will see lots of talent.
The DA-F Youth Basketball Festival which is tagged the future of Nigeria basketball is featuring Under 10 mixed for boys and girls, Under 13 to 16, 18-19 men.
By: Kiadum Edookor
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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