Sports
NDG, EDO 2026: RIVERS INTENSIFY PREPARATIONS AHEAD TRIALS
As the date for state trials and selection for the second edition of the Niger Delta Games (NDG) scheduled to hold in Edo State arrives in a few days, Rivers State athletes have intensified training for a better performance during the trials and the Games proper.
At various venues of training sessions of different sports events, it was serious business as coaches and their athletes honed their skills and competitive sharpness. There were evidences of commitment and purposefulness that indicate their determination to not only do well but earn laurels at the Games
Despite the mantra that the State is not overly concerned with finishing tops but grooming and exposing talents for the future, the feeling and ambition to win were palpable.
Even high ranking officers were on hand to observe the training sessions and ensure that things were being done properly for positive result.
In a chat with the media on Tuesday, the Director of University of Port Harcourt’s (UNIPORT) Sports Institute and Sports Consultant in the State, Professor Ken Anugweje, who was accompanied by the State Director of Sports, Obia Inyengiyikabo, Prof Anugweje said they were going round different training venues to see the level of preparations for the Niger Delta Games.
He said the visit was also to see how committed the athletes and coaches were. Apparently satisfied with what he saw, he assured that Team Rivers will do well and better at the second edition of the Games.
Also speaking, the state’s Handball coach, Loveday Melford expressed optimism that Team Rivers would target and win the gold medal of the Handball event.
He disclosed that he has intensified training with his athletes, whose performances have shown that they have the potential to win medal. According to him, they are looking forward to the Games with confidence but would not underrate any opponent.
He stated that they will use one or two weeks for physical training and use the remaining time for technical training.
“Our training days have increased because the competition is close, as you can see we are doing physical training. We will use one or two weeks for physical training and use the rest for technical.
“You see, let me say this, physical training is also very important because players must be physically fit to enable them sustain same energy level during competition” coach Melford said.
There were equally intense activities at the swimming pool and volleyball courts at the Alfred Diete Spiff Sports Complex (Civic Centre) as coaches put the young and enthusiastic athletes through their paces, ahead the state selection trials and the Games in Edo State, next month.
Tonye Orabere
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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