Sports
19th NSF: Coach Raises Alarm Over Rivers Chances
One of the coaches with the Rivers State weight-lifting Association has raised alarm concerning the chances of the state forth coming 19th National Sports Festival, scheduled for Calabar, Cross River State next year.
The coach, who pleaded anonymity said that if something was not done urgently, the growth of sports in the state and its impact at national competitions would take a down turn.
According to him, it would be difficult for the state to sustain even its current second position at the forthcoming national sports festival because of the exodus of most of the athletes that brought glory to the state recently over incentives and allowances.
He said that most of the athletes that were used for the “Garden City Games” and Eko 2012 had gone in search of greener pastures in other states where they are being motivated.
He said he expected that some allowances would have been paid to the contract athletes in order to keep them with the state , pending when the NSF got underway.
‘But there is nothing whatsoever to motivate them after the fiesta, no allowances, no employment.
Other states such as Edo, Lagos, Cross River and Plateau have learnt from their mistakes, they are now doing all they could to keep the athletes by motivating them with employment and allowances”, said the assistant coach.
He, however, urged that something should be done fast to remedy the situation, stating that, if nothing was done to check the situation, it might spell doom for sports in the state in the near future, especially the national sports festival.
It would be recalled that Delta and Edo States gave out cash reward of N1million to athletes that won gold at the Eko 2012.
However, reacting to the coach’s alarm, the state Director of Sports, Sir Deaobu Harry said that he was not aware of such exodus of athletes, saying that the state’s athletes were intact and would definitely do well when the 19th National Sports Festival gets underway in Calabar.
According to him, the state was preparing well and hard for the NSF.
‘Iam not aware of such situation because, our athletes are still intact and preparing for the forthcoming national sports festival scheduled to hold in Cross River State, next year”, 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.