Sports
Kickboxing Squabbles End, As New Leadership Emerges
The leadership crisis that had bedeviled kickboxing in Nigeria has been resolved as new executive led by Mykel Eneduwa takes charge of the Kickboxing Federation of Nigeria. The new leadership was inaugurated by officials from the National Sports Commission (NSC). Other board members of the federation include, Ben-Murray Bruce as the 1st Vice President, Suny Irabor, 2nd Vice President and Dapo Sotiminu, Shilau John, Emmanuel Peters as members. Other members are: Asutine George, Col. Gary Usman (Rtd), Wunmi Kalejaye and Madam Rhamat Adetule. Speaking shortly after the inauguration ceremony in a meeting with other board members, the President of the Federation, Eneduwa, said he bided because he wanted to take kickboxing to a higher level. He noted that kickboxing is one of the highest money making sports and stated his desire to position the sport in order to explore the business angle both nationally and internationally. Eneduwa stated that the federation would strive to exceed the mandate of organizing at least two programmes before the end of any season given by National Sports Commission. He said that the board will form sub-committees especially marketing committee that will sell the game outside the country. It would be recalled that kicking boxing in Nigeria had been in serious squabbles about who controls the sport nationally between Nigeria kickboxing Federation and Kickboxing Federation of Nigeria.
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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