Sports
NOC President Pledge More Scholarships For Athletes
The President, Nigeria Olympic Committee, Habu Gumel, says under his leadership several of the country’s top athletes have enjoyed regular scholarships to better their performances.
Gumel, who is gunning for a re-election in the NOC polls slated for December 15 in Jalingo, Taraba State, said the two Nigerian athletes who excelled at the 2022 World Athletics Championships Tobi Amusan and Ese Brume were under the sponsorship of the Olympic body.
He noted that the NOC as an organ of the Federal Government, placed the duo on a scholarship programme since 2018, with an annual stipends till date.
Working in concert with the sports ministry and the Athletic Federation of Nigeria, the NOC president hinted that Amusan and Brume were among the 14 Nigerian athletes that would continue to receive NOC support till Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
According to Gumel, the scholarship fund is from the IOC Solidarity Fund secured by the NOC.
“We have 14 of our notable Grade A athletes on this scheme and we have never failed to give them their training and school grants,” he said.
Gumel added that if re-elected he would get more grants for other top athletes.
The NOC boss added that there were concrete plans to develop the NOC property in Lagos, while the body would also secure an office in Abuja for better operations.
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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