Sports
Youth B’Ball Clinic Dunks Off, ’Morrow
A non-governmental
organisation (NGO) under the aegis of Athletes For Peace and Orientation Initiative, in Port Harcourt, in conjunction with Rivers State Basketball Association (RSBA) is set to host the 9th edition of DA-F basketball Holiday camp/Clinic in Port Harcourt.
The Clinic is billed to commence tomorrow and end on Friday, at the basketball court, Niger Street old Port Harcourt township.
Over 400 youth between the ages of seven and 19 are expected to participate in the programme.
Co-ordinator of DA-F Basketball programme and the NGO, Coach Fubara H. Onyanabo, made this known in an interview with Tidsports, at the weekend in Port Harcourt, saying that the theme of this year’s edition is tagged “Developing a Positive Attitude’.
According to him, the primary objectives of the clinic is to develop and make basketball popular.
“This programme is designed to ensure that youths are off from our streets, keep them busy and make them channel their energies towards productive ventures. It is also to empower youths”, Coach Onyanabo said.
He continued that the clinic would feature basic fundamentals of the game, such as freee throw, dunking and three points shooting contests, including a mini-championship.
Coach Onyanabo further revealed that prominent men of God and medical doctors would deliver lectures on the gains of seeking God first, dangers of cultism and drug abuse, ICT and the scourge of HIV/AIDS etc.
Those expected to deliver the lecture are; Pastor Toyin Alabi, CEO, The Promise Fast Food, Dr. Anselen Iyama, MD, Minna Specialist Clinic, Pastor Aninu Akperi, CEO, Seal Power, and Pastor Asher Benson, while Port Harcourt Boy, Duncan Mighty would entertain the gquests at the closing ceremony.
“I want to say that the Clinic/Camp is entirely free. Participants will be given free reversible, playing top jersey for training, bags, certificate and plaques for outstanding athletes”, he added.
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.