Sports
Association Wants Handball Programme For Tertiary Institutions
The President, Handball Referees Association, Moses Balogun, has urged the Handball Federation of Nigeria (HFN) to develop programmes for students in tertiary institutions to discover the talents among them.
Balogun told Tidesports last week in Lagos that talents were hidden in Nigerian tertiary institutions which could be tapped to promote the game.
“In the move by the federation to reposition the game, I will like the technical committee to look into talents that are hidden in our higher institutions.
“Many of our tertiary institutions have talents who are not in clubs because of their academic programmes. We can bring them out if we develop a programme for them this year, “ he said.
Balogun said the federation should concentrate more on tertiary institutions in its talent discovery efforts, adding that programmes could be fixed, not to clash with their academic work.
“There is no doubt that if the tertiary institutions are well combed, talents there can redeem the country’s image in handball, at even at the Olympics,’’ he said.
According to him, sports and education are inseparable and talents discovered from educational institutions have lots of future in the sport.
The HFN referees president, who is also a member of the NHF technical committee, also urged coaches to regularly update themselves with the international rules of the game.
“If we must move forward at all, coaches must update their knowledge regularly because the technical rules keep changing.
“Let them watch video clips of international championships, read and study the do’s and don’ts of handball because the more they do it, the better their future.
“Everything is not formal training; coaches need experience too and nobody buys experience, it is acquired,’’ he added.
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.