Sports
Fans Endorse NSF Board For Re-Election
Swimming fans have endorsed the board of the Nigeria Swimming Federation for re-election during the forthcoming sports federations election in April.
The National Sports Commission (NSC) had ordered the federations to conduct elections into their management boards in April.
In separte interviews with Tidesports in Lagos, the sport’s enthusiasts said the board, led by Babatunde Fatayi-Williams, had revived swimming at the grassroots and promoted it to international level.
They said the board tried its best, in spite of lack of funds and facilities which militated against the rapid development of the sport.
They, however, said that the outgoing board should desist from using politics in the selection of swimmers to international competitions, if re-elected.
The federation’s National Coach Monsuru Obadina told Tidesports that the outgoing board had performed well for it to be re-elected.
Obadina also said that the board had been effective in reviving the sport at the grassroots which helped in the discovery of young talents.
“Swimming was almost dead in this country but when the outgoing board took over in 2009, it immediately began a revival programme which has put the sport where it is today.
“In spite of lack of funds and facilities which has been the greatest challenge, I think the board should be retained during the elections for continuity.’’
Head Coach, Delta Swimming Association, Monday Aigbe, also said that the board put in its best to promote the sport, especially through organising competitions.
Aigbe said coaching clinics for swimmers and officials which had helped to improve performance topped the agenda of the board.
“The board performed beyond reasonable doubt and this is because most of its members were former swimmers and have passion to develop the sport,’’ he said.
A Lagos state swimmer, Gbatomini Williams, lauded the board for ensuring that swimming bounced back to reckoning in Nigeria and Africa.EShe said that since the board took over, swimmers had been attending international competitions, adding that they should be retained and be empowered financially for continuity.
Doutimi Gagbe, a swimmer from Delta, said that she was impressed with the way the federation ensured the sport was developed.
“Fatayi-Williams always dedicated his time and spent his personal money to ensure that the sport is not relegated, he should be given another chance,’’ Gagbe said.
Yellow Yeiyah, the country’s number one male swimmer, also said that Fatayi-Williams and other members of the board had done well to be re-elected.
Yeiyah, however, said that the board should desist from the politics of selecting some swimmers for international competitions without trials and camping.
“Fatayi-Williams is the driving force of the NSF because he motivates us personally and also used his personal funds to sponsor swimmers to international competitions.
“The only problem I have with the outgoing board is that they played politics at times by selecting swimmers for international competitions without trials and camping, this should be stopped,’’ Yeiyah said.
The board took over leadership when the sport was concessioned to the Nigerian Navy in 2009 after a dearth of activities since 2005.
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.