Sports
B’Ball: SWAN Demands Apology, Compensation From Dare
The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, SWAN FCT chapter, has demanded an immediate apology from the Federal Government and the Sports Ministry overseeing by Sunday Dare over the handling of Nigeria Basketball activities that led to the female national team, D’Tigress losing their FIBA Women’s World Cup ticket.
The D’Tigress qualified for the 2022 FIBA Women’s World Cup after beating France and Mali in February qualifiers in Serbia, however, the ladies lost the ticket to Mali after the Federal Government through the Minister of Youth and Sports, Sunday Dare, banned the country from participating in international basketball competitions for two years
The decision, regarded as hasty, harsh and uninformed as well as being promoted by personal order than national interest, meant that Mali who came second from Africa zone replaced Nigeria.
In a communique issued after its congress last week, FCT SWAN asked the minister to tender a public apology and compensate the players for the inglorious decision that cost them already secured World Cup ticket. The association also agreed to meet the minister to seek his assistant to interface between them and the NFF to ensure that sports writers are given slot in the proposed expansion of the NFF Congress membership.
The D’Tigress are Africa’s champions
“FCT SWAN appeals to Federal Government and the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development to as a matter of urgency tender a public apology and compensate the Nigeria Senior Women’s National basketball team, D’Tigress for their role in the team’s expulsion from the FIBA Women’s World Cup 2022 which is upcoming,” the sports writers said.
The FCT SWAN also set up a three-man committee to conduct Presidential Debate for the candidates vying for the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF Presidency in the September 30 scheduled election.
“FCT SWAN set up Committee to organise Presidential Debate for aspirants in the forthcoming NFF election slated for Moshood Abiola Stadium this September,” the sports writers concluded.
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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