Sports
World Athletics: Okagbare Must Remain Focused
A retired athletics coach, Gad Onumaegbu has urged Blessing Okagbare to put behind her, the disappointment of her sixth position finish in the 100m event, and focus on her other events.
Our correspondent reports that Okagbare had ended up in the sixth position of the 100m event in the ongoing 2013 World Athletics Championships in Moscow.
Onumaegbu told newsmen yesterday in Lagos that if she had participated in the 100m event before the long jump, the result would have been different.
He added that she would have to be professional in her approach in her buildup for her other events in the championships.
“The 100m should have come before the long jump, it is better to do the sprint before the long jump.
“She has to show how dedicated she is in her approach to the other events ahead of her; and possibly pick up more medals,” he said.
The retired coach also decried the undue burden of expectation that was placed on her shoulders by the leadership of the Athletic Federation of Nigeria (AFN), and blamed them for her inconsistencies.
“It is quite unfortunate and the blame falls squarely on the leadership of the AFN who has over relied on her to deliver the goods.
“Other athletes are being overlooked it should not be so, emphasis should not be on her alone,’’Onumaegbu said.
Meanwhile, Sule Oladimeji, a long jump coach, noted that the long jump event might have weakened Okagbare, but refused to blame her 100m loss on that.
“The long jump might have taken a bit of steam from her, but that will not be the sole reason for her poor performance in the 100m race.
“Sometimes it is not just the form of an athlete but luck that can lead to an athlete’s success in a race,” he said.
The coach urged Okagbare not to feel too discouraged about her performance in the 100m event, but use it to boost her performance in her other events.
“I believe if she focuses well she will do well in the 200m race because she is more powerful in it and the country believes in what she can do,” he said.
Okagbare would be participating in the 200m race and 400m women relay.
The IAAF World Championships will come to an end on Aug.18 in the Russian capital.
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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