Sports
Nigeria Wins Maiden Baseball, Softball Competition
Nigeria’s representative at the first West Africa Little League tournament, Lagos-based Adekalu Bulls, at the weekend, won the Baseball and Softball categories of the event.
Adekalu Bulls warded off opposition from Republic of Benin and Cote d’Ivoire and four other Nigerian teams to emerge champions in the four-day tournament.
Team Benin Republic came second, while Team Cote d’Ivoire came third in the baseball category.
In the softball category, Adekalu Bulls beat another Lagos-based team, Rak Angels, to the second position, while Team Yenagoa came third.
The four-day tournament was held at Igbobi College, Yaba, Lagos.
The Tournament Director, Kehinde Laniyan, said the maiden West Africa Little League tournament brought together baseball and junior foftball teams, players and officials from across West Africa.
“This tournament was approved by the Little League International in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, America and this is a historic moment, as Nigeria played host to other West African countries in Lagos.
“It is interesting that Republic of Benin, Cote d’Ivoire and Nigeria are fully represented and they have shown the world that baseball and softball games in Africa are fast developing.
“I acknowledge our sponsors, Transcorp Inc., First Bank, Lassena Waters and Winning Edge Marketing Services.
“I also acknowledge the support of Prof. Ndi Okereke-Onyuike and others in the last 30 years, including Ade Taiwo and Armstrong Ogwuiche,” he said.
Also speaking at the end of the event, Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Intergovernmental Relations and Special Duties, Omobolaji Ogunlende, praised the officials for keeping the flag of the game flying even though it is little known in Nigeria.
“The officials have tried in keeping the flag flying, when we talk to some people about baseball/softball, they hardly understand the game.
“However, this is a game that should be made popular in Nigeria because it is popular in other advanced countries, so we have a duty to ensure adequate sponsorship of the game,” he said.
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.