Sports
NSF Steps Up Preparations For 2022 Title Defence
The Nigeria Scrabble Federation (NSF) at the weekend, said it has stepped up preparations for a successful defence of its title at the 2022 edition of the Africa Scrabble Championship holding in Zambia from October 21 to 24.
National team coach, Prince Tony Ikolo, told news men that Nigeria, as defending champions, expect a tougher challenge to its crown this year, adding that top African nations have indicated desire to dethrone the country.
Ikolo said Nigeria’s success at the recent West Africa Scrabble Championship has lifted the players’ morale ahead of the African Championship. He added, however, that the players would not rest on their oars despite recent successes in both regional and continental competitions.
He said: “We are kicking off with the Abuja National Scrabble Open Tournament from September 24 to 25, which is part of preparations for the African Championship.
“The main selection process for the African Scrabble Championship will hold from October 1 to 4. The NSF is working hard to ensure the best players represent the country in Zambia.
“Going by the outstanding performance of the players at international and domestic competitions this year, it is certain Nigeria will excel at the championship. But this does not mean the players will not go through serious training and preparation to ensure Nigeria retain its title in Zambia.”
Ikolo pleaded for more corporate and individual sponsors to help develop the sport and ensure the country maintain its status as the best scrabble-playing nation in the world.
Nigeria became the first African nation to win the World English Language Speaking Scrabble Players Association Championship (WESPAC) when Wellington Jighere made history in Perth, Australia in 2015.
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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