Sports
Stakeholder Wants Charge In NOC Leadership Changed
As the elective congress of the Nigeria Olympic Committee draws nearer, stakeholders have highlighted the need for a transformation in the leadership of the body, which is responsible for coordinating and supporting Nigerian competitors in the Olympic, Commonwealth and African Games.
The NOC election is billed for December 15 in Jalingo, Taraba State.
While it is still uncertain if the incumbent president, Habu Gumel, will seek re-election into office, stakeholders are already clamouring for a shake-up in the system, in order to usher in new guards.
Gumel was first elected as NOC president in 2002 and was in office until 2010. He returned again as president in 2014 and still runs the affairs of the Olympic Committee till date.
Seeking reelection will mean a third consecutive term bid and five terms overall.
Observers of the 74-year-old Gumel’s NOC tenure described the last eight years of his administration as docile, which they say has caused a regression for Nigeria at the international level.
According to them, Nigeria lost its congress membership with the International Olympic Committee during the reign of Gumel, insisting he has no voting rights at the IOC, having attained the age of 70 since 2019.
According to Rule 16.3.3.1 of the Olympics Charter, any IOC member ceases to be a member at the end of the calendar year during which he reaches the age of 70.
A board member of the Nigeria Handball Federation and a member of Sports for All Commission of the Nigeria Olympic Committee, Sylvester Ikuejamoye, fears that the lack of voting rights for Gumel at the IOC level could cause further setback for Nigeria.
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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