Sports
NYG : I See Fubara Turning Sports Around In Rivers State – Karate Coach
The principal Coach of NYG : I See Fubara Turning Sports Around In Rivers State – Karate Coach Karate Association of Rivers State, Yacob Kingley has said that he sees the present government of Rivers State under the leadership of Sir Siminalayi Fubara turning sports around.
According to him, the current governor of the state is going to do his best for sports as he sees him taking sports as a priority.
Kingley said this on Wednesday in an exclusive interview with Tidesports at the ongoing National Youths Games (NYG), holding in Asaba Delta State.
He said that it was high time Rivers State went back to the drawing board and adjusted themselves back to their position in the sporting industry.
“ I see the present Government of Rivers State taking sports as top priority.
“ I see the Government working to develop sports in the state” Kingley said.
Coach Kingley, who is popularly called Grand Master, said that Rivers State need to plan early towards going for competitions, adding that Team Rivers Karate will be among the athletes that will make the state proud.
“ Rivers State needs to get more officiating officials during the NYG.
“ Like you see other, states like Delta, Bayelsa, Edo and Lagos have like five to six officiating officials in one game.
“ Rivers State needs to have more officials in different games because that is were the politics of the games is.
“ Because that is the area where different things are discussed, like work, stopwatch or area of way-in.
By: Kiadum Edookor
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.