Sports
Ex- Director Challenges Federation On Sponsors
Former Technical
Director of Nigeria Aquatics Federation (NSF), Gbenga Lawal, has urged the body to intensify their search for major sponsors to sustain the sport.
He told newsmen in Lagos that swimming had the potential to become more prominent if it was accorded adequate support.
Lawal also said that the State and Federal Government must strive to source for the necessary funds to boost the sport.
“I believe that if enough attention is given to swimming in the country, it will flourish.
“The swimmers themselves are from the lowest strata of the society, they need to be encouraged to pursue careers in the sport.
The elites do not allow their children to pursue a career in swimming in the country.
“If the financial problems are solved then swimming will improve,’’ he said.
Lawal also said that swimmers must be exposed internationally and locally to be at par with their contemporaries elsewhere.
“In this part of the world the swimmers do not train all year round, they train only a few months to competition which is not ideal.
“Swimmers must train all year round and gain enough exposure to be adequately ready for any competition,’’ he said.
He said that the government must begin to invest in other sports aside from football, to enable them to thrive.
“It’s not all about soccer; they must learn to give other sports a chance.
“If the amount of money that is being spent on football is channelled into another sport, it will give it a major boost,’’ 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.