Sports
ITTF May Hammer Nigeria Over Absence At WYC
Nigeria may face the wrath of the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) following the country’s absence from the 2023 World Youth Championships (WYC) in Slovenia.
Nigeria’s trio of Matthew Kuti, Muiz Adegoke and Matthew Fabunmi were listed among qualified players for the singles event at the WYC three months ago following their performance at the 2023 African Youth Championships held in Morocco earlier this year.
Nigeria’s participation at the African Youth Championships was made possible through ITTF Executive Vice President, Wahid Oshodi, and Vice President of Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF), Adesoji Tayo and friends of table tennis, who funded the trip to Morocco with assurance by the NTTF that government would refund and also sponsor the players to WYC.
Unfortunately the federation failed to get the funds from the ministry, hence the players were walked over in the singles and doubles events. Their absence from the championship may attract financial and ranking sanctions from the world body.
Angered by Nigeria’s continuous absence from its events, which most times altered their programme, an ITTF official, who pleaded anonymity, said: “This is very bad that it is happening in the WYC as only 32 entries and many players have not been able to play with the walkovers. It is a pity, but it frequently happens with African countries, especially Nigeria and nobody knows why they confirm participation, but don’t show up for the event.”
NTTF Secretary General, Dayo Abulude, explained that the lack of funds truncated the team’s participation, saying that several pleas to the Ministry failed to help the situation.
“It is the usual no fund syndrome that prevented the players from taking part in the WYC, as individuals helped the team to qualify through the continental tournament. All our budgets to the ministry are yet to be disbursed and funds borrowed for our participation are yet to be refunded. This is not encouraging for the players, and we hope things take shape for good in the New Year,” he added.
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.
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