Sports
Nigeria Set For World Cricket League
The Technical Director,
Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF), Olisa Egwuatu, has said that the senior male cricket team was being physically and mentally prepared for the World Cricket League (WCL) in Malaysia.
The team is camped in Abuja to prepare for the WCL, Division 5, holding from March 4 to 14.
Egwuatu told newsmen in Lagos that the federation had acquired the services of psychologists, as part of its efforts to adequately prepare the players ahead of the tournament.
According to him, the federation acquired a bowling machine that will enhance the batting speed of the cricketers, and they are also being trained in spin bowling.
“Camping is ok and the cricketers are working hard each day while the coaches are ensuring that the players are on their toes.
“With the bowling machine, batsmen are being trained on improving their speed to respond to the ball, while our bowlers are being trained in spin bowling.
“The main aim of spin bowling is to ensure that the ball is bowled with rapid rotation, so that when it bounces on the pitch, it will deviate from its normal straight path.
“This makes it difficult for the batsman to hit the ball cleanly,” he said.
The technical director said that Abuja was chosen as camp because its weather conditions suited that of Malaysia in the month of March.
“In March, Malaysia will be humid and sunny, so we decided to camp them in Abuja, where there will be lesser rainfall.
“Also, it presents an environment in which there is less disturbance for the cricketers,” Egwuatu said.
The team qualified for the WCL, Division 5, after it emerged second at the Division 6 in Jersey in 2013.
The other countries that will take part in the competition are: Jersey, Tanzania, Cayman Island, Guernsey and host country, Malaysia.
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.