Sports
Niger Delta Sports Festival: Bayelsa Sports Ministry Inaugurates Liaison Committee
The Bayelsa State Liaison committee for the Niger Delta Sports Festival has been inaugurated in Yenagoa, the State capital, ahead of the maiden edition of the Niger Delta Sports Festival slated for 1st -9th of April, 2025 in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
The inauguration which took place at the Ministry of Sports Development had all members of the committee including the representative of the Project Consultants, Dumanis Icon Limited, in attendance.
Inaugurating the committee, Commissioner for Sports Development, Dr. Daniel Igali represented by the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Sports Development,Mrs. Grace Alagoa, urged the committee to discharge their duties with utmost responsibility, stating that their nomination was as a result of their contribution to the development of sports over the years.
She noted that with the experience of those in the committee, she is confident that the personalities nominated to pilot the affairs of the committee would give the state good representation when the event commences.
According to ?Dumanis icon, the need to organize the competition became imperative due to the regions dominance at the national level, pointing out that the caliber of persons steering the affairs of the NDDC signifies the commission value for sports development apart from building bridges and constructing roads in the region.
Noting that sports is a leading part of the global economy, the Consultants pointed out that the Niger Delta Sports Festival would change the trajectory of sports for the people in the region particularly for the region that has produced great athletes for the nation, saying that the committee was set to help drive the process of trials in the various states.
Earlier in an address of welcome, chairman of the committee and Director of Sports, Bayelsa State Sports Council, Sir Braveman Wodi, said the state was ready to consolidate on its previous record in the national sports festival describing Bayelsa as the latest hub in sports in the nation.
In an acceptance remark secretary of the committee Mr. Loveday Herbert asserted that the committee is prepared to discharge their duties effectively.
The Bayelsa State Liaison Committee has Sir Braveman Wodi as Chairman, Loveday Herbert will serve as secretary, other members are Catherine Sasuode, George Mark , Perela Aboroson, Ama-Ebi Wilson Ebikpolade, Chief Kia Nigeria, Mrs. Iteke Walama and Anthony Alabrah.
Other committee members are Bomo Kigigha, Blessing Oborududu, Inifa Gagbe, Okiki Felix and Kingdom Korumene.
Shortly after the inauguration, the committee held a brief meeting and resolved to work towards realizing the objective of the games. However, members wish to know about logistics because this is to enable officials and coaches to move to schools and localities in the riverine areas where transportation is not easily accessible. Places like Brass, Southern Ijaw and Ekeremor local areas where local swimmers are residing, need mobilization to get them ready.
Members of Rivers State Liaison Committee for the forthcoming Niger Delta Sports Festival. Middle is the chairman and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Sports, Kelvin Nweke. From left, Sepribo Gilbert Nimifaa, Gabriel Nwanetanya, Salubi Awuereba, Emmanuel Nwuju, Ugwi Joseph and Allwell Egwurugwu
Sports
Amusan places third in Diamond League opener
The Nigerian, who arrived in China fresh from winning gold at the African Senior Athletics Championships in Ghana earlier on Wednesday, clocked a season’s best of 12.41s behind Olympic champion Masai Russell and Bahamian star Devynne Charlton.
Russell produced a dominant display to win the race in a meeting record and world-leading time of 12.25s, improving on her previous world lead of 12.40s.
Charlton, the reigning world indoor champion, finished second in 12.38s in one of her strongest outdoor performances to date.
Amusan, whose world record of 12.12s remains the fastest time ever run in the event, improved significantly from her previous season’s best of 12.84s set during her victorious outing at the African Championships in Accra.
The 29-year-old was competing in a stacked field that included reigning world champion Ditaji Kambundji of Switzerland, Jamaican pair Megan Simmonds and Ackera Nugent, China’s Wu Yanni and Americans Tonea Marshall and Danielle Williams.
Kambundji, who won the world title in Tokyo last year with a Swiss record 12.24s, finished fifth in 12.82s, while Jamaica’s Nugent placed sixth in 12.98s.
Marshall and Williams failed to finish the race.
Following Amusan’s victory in Accra, the three-time Diamond League final winner expressed gratitude to her supporters while insisting she remained determined to achieve more success this season.
“Beyond grateful to God, my team, supporters, and everyone who continues to believe in me through every season. Historic feeling. Still hungry for more. The mission continues,”
Sports
Falcons To Tackle Senegal in Pre-WAFCON friendly
The 10-time African champions are scheduled to take on the Teranga Lionesses on June 5 and 8 at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, Ogun State, in what will form a key part of their build-up to July’s continental tournament.
The fixtures were confirmed on social media platform X by Super Falcons Show, which announced the details of the encounter and venue.
“Nigeria’s senior women’s national team, the Super Falcons, will take on Senegal Women’s National Team in a double-header international friendly scheduled for June 5 and 8,” the post read.
“Both matches will be played in Ikenne, Nigeria.”
The friendlies come after Nigeria’s proposed training tour of the United Kingdom, which included a planned match against Jamaica, was cancelled due to scheduling complications linked to FIFA’s official women’s international window. The timing meant clubs would not have been obliged to release players.
With that tour shelved, the Senegal fixtures now offer a timely opportunity for coach Justine Madugu and his technical team to assess squad options, test tactical systems and strengthen team cohesion ahead of the WAFCON campaign and longer-term qualification targets for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
Senegal are expected to provide a competitive regional test, with their physical style and disciplined organisation likely to offer Nigeria a different tactical challenge across both matches.
The Super Falcons, who have dominated African women’s football for decades, will be aiming to use the double-header to fine-tune preparations as they pursue another continental title in Morocco next year.
Sports
Okpekpe Road Race Unveils Partners, Appoints Dr. Bojuwoye
Dr Bojuwoye, a seasoned medical professional with extensive experience in road running events across Nigeria, is expected to bring added value to the race through his expertise.
As medical director, his responsibilities will include overseeing emergency medical response, coordinating first aid stations along the course, ensuring athlete safety, and supervising medical volunteers and paramedics.
His role is critical in safeguarding the health of both elite and recreational runners, as well as spectators.
In addition to unveiling its new medical director, the organisers also announced five corporate partners for the 2026 edition.
The Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN), Petralon Energy, Razzl Drink, Dan Oil, and Carloha Motors have joined as sponsors, reflecting the race’s growing appeal across diverse sectors of the Nigerian economy.
The Okpekpe race, organised by Pamodzi Sports Marketing Company, has steadily risen in prominence since becoming the first road race in Nigeria to earn World Athletics label status in 2015.
It has since advanced to Gold Label Race status, attracting elite athletes from around the world and cementing its reputation as one of Africa’s benchmark road-running competitions.
Edo State, under the leadership of Governor Monday Okpebolo, has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the race, citing its role in promoting tourism, community pride, and international recognition for the region.
Race Director Zack Amodu noted that the new partnerships underscore the event’s stature and its impact beyond sport.
We are delighted to welcome DBN, Petralon, Razzl, and Carloha Motors as partners for the 11th edition. Their support, alongside the backing of Edo State, not only strengthens the race but also reinforces its role as a platform for promoting excellence, youth empowerment, and community development,’ Amodu said.
Beyond its sporting significance, the Okpekpe International 10km Road Race has become a catalyst for social, health, and economic benefits.
It encourages fitness and healthy lifestyles, fosters social cohesion by bringing communities together, and generates economic activity through tourism, hospitality, and local commerce.
The event also showcases Edo State’s cultural vibrancy while contributing to Nigeria’s growing reputation in global athletics.
The 11th edition is expected to draw elite athletes, local participants, and international attention, further consolidating Nigeria’s place on the global athletics calendar.
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