Sports
Delta Expresses Readiness To Host NYG
The Chairman, Delta State Sports Commission, Tonobok Okowa,who doubles as the President of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) has set the ball rolling ahead of the 7th National Youth Games.
In his opening speech at the joint technical meeting of delegates from across the country, he assured the directors of sports of a hitch- free competition, adding that there will be nothing to worry about.
The sports administrator said preparations are in top gear for the games scheduled to take place in Asaba.
The event billed for September 7 to 17,2023 will feature about 30 sports which target is discovering and nurturing talented athletes for future stardom.
The sports lined up for the tournament of under 15s include athletics, boxing, basketball,beach volleyball, canoeing, football, handball, hockey, table tennis, karate and wrestling.
Others include para athletics, chess, squash, scrabble, swimming, judo, weightlifting, golf, rugby and tennis.
Proposed venues to be used are the Government House squash court, Ibori Golf Course, Westend Secondary School, Asaba, the Cynotaph, mainbowl, indoor halls, swimming pool and other facilities in the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba.
Other venues are the hockey pitch at Okpanam, Admiralty University, Ibusa and Lander Brothers Anchorage, Asaba.
The national youth games has served as a platform for identifying young athletes since its inception.
The maiden edition took place in Abuja and Kwara State has hosted the last five editions.
However, for the 7th edition, the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports decided to award the hosting rights to Delta State.
The last edition of the games featured a total of 37 sport events, with Delta emerging overall champion, amassing a total of 104 medals, comprising 60 gold, 26 silver and 28 bronze.
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.