Sports
Amusan, 4x100m Relay Gold Excites AFN
President of Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), Tonobok Okowa has expressed joy at the recovery of World Record Holder in women’s 100m hurdles, Tobiloba Amusan, after she inspired Team Nigeria to 4x100m Relay Gold at the 23rd African Senior Athletics Championships in Japoma Stadium, Douala, Cameroon.
Amusan was in her best elements as she ‘handed Nigeria her fourth gold medal, anchoring a race that had the quartet of Justina Eyakpobeyan, Tima Godbless and Olayinka Olajide.
Amusan missed her 100m hurdles event due to illness.
Speaking shortly after the event, Okowa said; “I was really worried on my arrival in Douala, and saw the condition of Amusan. I was at the airport when I heard the news. From the airport, I rushed down to the athletes hotel to see her. Then, she was really down, and I prayed to God to come to our rescue because the children are under my custody. I am happy God answered our prayer.”
Okowa continued: “I was so excited seeing Tobi fly on the track to give us gold. This can only come from an athlete, who is dedicated and loyal to her country. I salute her courage and sense of humour. I praise all the athletes and officials, who have contributed to our success story here in Douala. Our next bus stop will be in Paris for the Olympics Games, and I am optimistic that our athletes will give a good account of themselves.
“Recall that Amusan arrived in Douala last Thursday morning alongside other members of the Nigerian contingent with no sign of illness. But she fell ill in the night, and Sports Ministry’s medical personnel attached to the AFN team to Douala advised her to take a rest.
She took part in the 4x100m relay final because AFN Technical Director, Samuel Onikeku tendered a medical report on her, unlike the duo of Favour Ofili and Rosemary Chukwuma who pulled out from the 100m semifinal without the knowledge of the technical committee.
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.
-
News5 days agoDon Savours Inaugural Lecture Presentation, Commends VC
-
News17 hours agoPolice Arrest Nigerian, Two Others For Kidnapping In Edo
-
Business7 hours agoNigeria, AFC sign $1.3 billion deal to build alumina refinery
-
Nation19 hours agoPerm Sec Explains Success Of FGM Elimination Programme In Rivers
-
News17 hours agoNDLEA Arrests Ex-Councillor With 40kg Skunk, Recovers Drugs In Diapers
-
Rivers7 hours agoLGSC Boss Commits To Better Service Delivery
-
Rivers7 hours agoKENPOLY Rector Promises To Prioritise Students’ Welfare
-
Rivers7 hours agoADIAFRICA Flags-off Free Eye Screening Outreach In PH