Sports
NSF: Ondo, Oyo Set To Perform Better In Asaba 2022
As the 2022 National Sports Festival in Asaba, Delta State draws nearer, participating states are working hard to raise the bar of performances higher than the last edition in Edo.
For Team Ondo, The Tidesport source confirmed that the state contingent would move into closed-camping on Tuesday (today) at the Ondo State Sports Complex, Akure, where they will put finishing touches to their preparations.
General Manager of Ondo State Sports Council, Henry Babatunde, confirmed to The Tidesport source that Ondo State would be parade 129 athletes in 20 sports at the Asaba Games.
According to him, the choice of events and the number of athletes were strategically arrived at for competitive advantage.
Some of the sports he listed as the state’s area of strength include wrestling, table tennis, judo, swimming and taekwondo.
“What we have now is more than what we had in the last festival. So, this time around, Ondo is hopeful that we are going to do well at the Games,” Babatunde said.
“We are very hopeful that anything that has to do with aquatics, we are going to have medals. I can beat my chest that we cannot have less than eight gold medals in aquatic sports at the Games.
“The level of our preparedness is very high, which will determine what we are going to get. We have qualified coaches and athletes on ground,” he added.
Ondo finished 11th at Edo 2020 with 10 gold, nine silver and 25 bronze medals.
In Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State, preparations seem to be in two phases, as the state is looking to host the next edition of the Games, while also aiming for more medals at Asaba 2022.
An official of the Oyo State Sports Council, who spoke on condition of anonymity, stated, “Last time we went to Edo, we had 26 sports, but this time around we have 32.
“Last time too, we finished in sixth position, and it will be the joy of the governor that we improve on that this year. Realistically, we are aiming higher and our athletes are well motivated. They were rewarded after the last festival and they know it will be the same after this. So, there is the tendency of performing better than before.”
The 21st edition of the National Sports Festival holds from November 28 to December 10 in Asaba, Delta State.
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.
-
News5 days agoDon Savours Inaugural Lecture Presentation, Commends VC
-
News15 hours agoPolice Arrest Nigerian, Two Others For Kidnapping In Edo
-
Nation17 hours agoPerm Sec Explains Success Of FGM Elimination Programme In Rivers
-
Business5 hours agoNigeria, AFC sign $1.3 billion deal to build alumina refinery
-
News15 hours agoNDLEA Arrests Ex-Councillor With 40kg Skunk, Recovers Drugs In Diapers
-
Rivers4 hours agoLGSC Boss Commits To Better Service Delivery
-
News15 hours agoArmy Foils Cattle Rustling, Kills Terrorists In Benue …Rescues Two Kidnapped Bank Staff
-
Nation17 hours agoOgoni Mangrove Wetlands Gain International Recognition As Ramsar Site