Sports
NSC Rewards Majekodunmi Afusat Bisola with ₦3 Million as Appreciation Tour Continues
Joel Ajayi
The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, on Thursday 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 ₦3 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 2024 National Sports Festival, she stormed to gold in the 400 metres 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, Hon 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 there 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.
The NSC further noted that the decision to present the awards at athletes’ schools and training grounds was deliberate.
According to the Commission, the approach is aimed at promoting transparency, tackling age cheating, and demonstrating clearly how talents are being discovered and nurtured directly from the school system.
Reacting to the honour, Majekodunmi expressed deep appreciation to the National Sports Commission, assuring that she remains determined to achieve even greater feats for Nigeria.
She stated that the reward would further motivate her as she sets her sights on a podium finish at the forthcoming Summer Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal.
The appreciation tour had earlier commenced on Wednesday with a visit to Grange School, Lagos, where teenage swimmers Aidan Dumuije-Abili and Tofunmi Ibidapo were also rewarded for their outstanding performances.
The tour will continue in the coming days, with the Chairman, Malam Shehu Dikko and the DG also scheduled to visit Delta State, Akwa Ibom State, and Abuja as the Commission sustains its drive to celebrate and invest in Nigeria’s emerging sporting talents.
Sports
YellowGreens Thrash The Gambia by 160 Runs in Dominant Display
Joel Ajayi
Selim Salau’s century and a breathtaking late assault from Isaac Okpe powered Nigeria to a dominant opening victory at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Sub-Regional Qualifier C in Abuja.
Nigeria’s senior men’s national cricket team, the YellowGreens, made a resounding start to their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Sub-Regional Qualifier C campaign, defeating The Gambia by 160 runs at the NCF Oval 2 in Abuja on Tuesday, 20 October 2026.
After winning the toss and electing to bat, Nigeria produced a formidable total of 262 for one in their allotted 20 overs, setting The Gambia a daunting target of 263 runs.
The innings was anchored by an outstanding century from Selim Salau, who remained unbeaten on 105 off 58 deliveries, striking 12 fours and three sixes. Isaac Danladi provided excellent support with an impressive 86 off 48 balls, including seven fours and four sixes, as the pair laid the foundation for Nigeria’s commanding total.
Isaac Okpe then delivered a sensational finishing assault, smashing an unbeaten 56 off just 16 deliveries, with three fours and six sixes. His remarkable strike rate of 350.00 propelled Nigeria beyond the 260-run mark and put the hosts firmly in control.
The Gambia faced an uphill battle in their chase and were eventually bowled out for 102 in 17.2 overs, handing Nigeria a comprehensive 160-run victory.
The result marked an emphatic opening statement from the YellowGreens as they began their campaign on home soil with an impressive all-round performance.
The victory also provides Nigeria with valuable momentum in a six-team competition featuring hosts Nigeria, The Gambia, Uganda, Zambia, Lesotho and Mozambique. With the teams competing in a round-robin format, the top two sides will progress to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Regional Final in 2027.
Nigeria will look to build on this commanding start as the YellowGreens continue their pursuit of one of the two available qualification places, with their next fixture against Zambia scheduled for Wednesday, 21 October, at the NCF Oval 1 in Abuja.
Final Score
Nigeria: 262/1 (20 overs)
The Gambia: 102 all out (17.2 overs)
Result: Nigeria won by 160 runs.
Key Performers
Selim Salau — 105 not out off 58 balls
Isaac Danladi — 86 off 48 balls
Isaac Okpe — 56 not out off 16 balls
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