Sports
Nigeria’s Representatives Ready For ITTF Tour
Two of the table tennis
players to represent the country at the forthcoming International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) world tour, tagged “Lagos Open’’, declared their readiness for the championships.
Onaolapo Ojo and Kazeem Makanjuola told newsmen in separate interviews in Lagos that they were not afraid of any competitor in the tournament.
The competition is slated for March 11 to March 14 at the Molade Okoya-Thomas Indoor Sports Hall of the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos.
Italy-based Ojo said that he was not bothered by the experienced players who would be participating because he knows that he possesses what it takes to conquer.
He, however, said that there are certain players that he would definitely watch out for at the tournament.
“The Egyptian players I would have to be very wary of because they are very technical and skilful.
“I have been preparing so hard for this competition and perfecting all that is needed for me to emerge victorious,’’ he said.
The Marcozzi Club table tennis player in Italy said that he was determined to make a remarkable performance at the tournament.
“The task ahead is not an easy one but with God on my side, I believe I will make an outstanding performance,’’ he said.
Home-based Makanjuola said that he was absolutely ready to take on any player at the competition.
He said that he wasn’t scared and was up to the task of challenging anyone on the table.
“I am always excited when it comes to competitions because this is one thing I love to do.
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.