Sports
AYG Games: Umahi Rewards Bronze Medalist With N300,000
Gov. David Umahi of Ebonyi yesterday rewarded Miss Chidimma Nwankwo with N300,000 for winning bronze in Taekwondo at the last African Youth Games competition in Algiers, Algeria.
Tidesports source reports that Nwankwo, 16, hails from Ezzamgbo, Ohaukwu Local Government Area (LGA) of the state and won the medal in the 53 kg category of the Games.
The state Commissioner for Youth Development and Sports Mr Charles Akpuenika, who made the presentation on behalf of Umahi, said the governor and the state’s sports community were proud of Nwankwo’s achievements.
“We are pleased with your bronze-winning feat at the Games as you had earlier won a gold medal in the same event at the National Youth Games, held in Ilorin, Kwara.
“This token is a form of encouragement to you to work harder and win gold medals for the state and country in your future endeavours,” he said.
The governor noted that budding sport talents across the state would continue to enjoy the government’s support to win more laurels and achieve their life ambitions through sports.
“The provision of modern sports facilities at the refurbished Pa Ngele Oruta Stadium among other centre across the state, has assisted in harnessing these athlete’s talents for more product usage.
“The sports school competition which has been revamped among other grassroots-oriented sports policies have ensured that sports talents scattered around the state are discovered and nurtured,” he said.
Nwankwo thanked the governor for the gesture and noted that it would spur her to greater achievements.
“I aimed to clinch the gold medal at the Games but lost due to technical errors which, however, have been identified and will be worked on.
“I am pleased with my achievements with the highest being the opportunity to ‘fight with white athletes’ during the competition,” she said.
The Ebonyi Teakwondo Coach, Mr James Onwe, who tutored Nwankwo, also commended the governor for the gesture and noted that she would be better prepared for future competitions.
“She is the best athlete in the event’s category in the country and we are happy that she would henceforth compete in the senior category due to her feats,” he said.
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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