Sports
Amusan’s World Athletics’ Doping Violation Worries AFN
The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), on Wednesday, said it is seriously disturbed by charges of doping violation filed by World Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) against Nigerian sensation, Tobi Amusan.
Amusan, the 2021 world champion and world record holder in the women’s 100m hurdles, is in trouble for allegedly missing three out of competition dope tests. She will appear before a three-man arbitration panel to clear her name before the Budapest 2023 World Championships in August.
AFN President, Tonobok Okowa, yesterday, described the situation as ‘sad,’ but added that Amusan is not out of the Budapest 2023 World Championships yet.
“I have not been myself since the news broke out last night,” Okowa told Tidesports source in a telephone chat, on Wednesday . “I don’t think she is out of the World Championships yet. It will depend on what happens at the arbitration panel. Our prayer now is for the AIU to give Tobi fast hearing. If she is cleared before the World Championships, then she can compete for us. But I am really worried.”
Technical Director of the AFN, Samuel Onikeku, also said that he hopes Amusan is cleared of the doping violation charges filed against her by the AIU.
“I hope she comes out of it, but there is nothing we (AFN) can do,” Onikeku stated. United States-based sprinter, Grace Nwokocha, who was stripped of her Commonwealth gold medal last week over drugs related offences, stated that something has to be done urgently to stop the growing trend of suspension and ban on Nigerian athletes.
“Something is definitely not right somewhere and no one is ready to put a contest with these people,” she said in a message to The Guardian. “This hatred is increasing daily and everyone is acting cold on it. What I can sense here is that they are trying to bring Africans down because they look down on us too much,” she stated.
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.