Sports
19th NSF: Rivers, Ondo Win Gold Medals In 100m
Usheoritse Itsekiri of Rivers and Bukola Boluwatife of Ondo State emerged winners of the men’s and women’s 100m races respectively at the ongoing 19th National Sports Festival (NSF) on Wednesday.
These athletes in their various state colours challenged for medals during the 17th National Sports Festival which draws to a close today in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. The organisers are promising a spectacular Closing Ceremony.
Egwero Oghene of Delta and Enoch Adegoke of Rivers finished in 10.32 secs in the men’s race, but the former won second place by arriving hundredths of a second earlier. In the women’s category, Peace Uko of Cross River came second to take silver, while Joy Udoh of Delta returned in 11.53 secs to settle for the bronze. Speaking with reporters after the race, Itsekiri said it was the sprint if his life, as he never expected to win gold.
“This was based on the fact that my personal best time was one of the poorest among the finalists,’’ he said.
On her part, Boluwatife said she was expecting nothing less than a victory because she had trained hard for the NSF.
Several athletics events were cancelled at the 19th NSF, with organisers citing inadequate funds.
Events such as 200m and relay races were not featured at the games, but action continues in 400m, shot put, javelin and other track and field events on Thursday.
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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