Sports
Ogun Holds NNL Refresher Course For Coaches
The refresher course for coaches of the 40 clubs of the Nigerian National League (NNL) took off on Monday at the Remo Stars Sports Complex, Ikenne, Ogun State.
Declaring the event open, Director General of National Institute For Sports (NIS), Prof. Olawale Moronkola noted that the institution accepted to partner with the NNL in organising the course because it falls within the recent plans it has developed to further implement its core mandate of training and retraining of coaches in a unique way just as he noted that the course will be of immense benefit to the coaches ahead of the resumption of 2023/2024 season.
He stated that NIS in line with its statutory mandate is determined to upscale the technical expertise of Nigeria National League Coaches which made it partner NNL for the seminar just as he charged the coaches to make maximum use of the opportunity offered by the course, noting that the training programme shall be a continuum.”The NIS is determined to upscale the technical expertise of Nigeria National League coaches, hence the partnership with NNL.
“I urge the participants to be focused, determined and committed to make use of this unique opportunity. The fact that you’re here is a confirmation of your collective desire to join us to achieve this vision.
“I want to assure you that although the duration of the programme is three days but it’s loaded and will be conducted in line with the best practices.
“The knowledge that will be acquired will not only be impactful but life changing for the overall development of the second tier league,” 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.