Sports
NYG:190 Athletes And Official Will Represent Rivers
A total of 190 athletes will be representing Rivers State at this year’s National Youth Games in Asaba, the Delta State capital.
The athletes will compete in a total of 29 events as the seventh edition of the Games get underway in a matter of hours
Rivers State Sports Commissioner, Barr. Chris Green says the key objective is long term success, which will see precociously and prodigiously gifted/talented youngsters put their through their paces via strategic exposure to competition with a view to polishing raw Diamonds to becoming greats at the global stage in a few years time.
Teams participating at the Games are expected to arrive Asaba between yesterday and today, while the official opening ceremony holds tomorrow at the Stephen Keshi Stadium.
Meanwhile, the Niger State Government on Wednesday, said that 102 athletes and officials would represent the state at the National Youth Games (NYG). Alhaji Baba Sheshi, Director of Sports in the state’s Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, disclosed this in Minna, during a meeting with the athletes.
He urged the athletes and officials to ensure discipline before, during and after the event.
Sheshi, who said the state was ready for the Games, stressed that adherence to rules of the games, commitment and dedication to their field of competition, would enable them top the medals table.
“The essence of going to the NYG is not just to participate in sports and win medals, but also to inculcate discipline and the act of leadership in our athletes.
“If you are not a disciplined athlete, you will not be able to win any medal.
This is the only way not only to get the best and win medals, but to top the medals table,” 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.