Majekodunmi Rewarded with Cash for African Youth Games Win
By 𝔸bdulrazak Tomiwa
2025 African Youth Games gold medalist, Hafsoh Majekodunmi has received a N3m reward from the National Sports Commission at MKO Abiola Stadium, Abeokuta.
The teenager was honored for winning the girls’ 400m in Angola with a time of 55.16s, defeating competitors from Ethiopia and Congo.
Her victory secured Nigeria a gold medal and earned her automatic qualification for the 2026 Youth Olympics in Dakar, Senegal.
NSC Director General Bukola Olopade presented the cheque as part of a nationwide tour to appreciate young athletes who succeeded in 2025.
Students from Abeokuta Grammar School attended the ceremony at the stadium to cheer for their celebrating schoolmate.
A surprised Majekodunmi reacted to the award by pledging to work hard and aim for another gold at the upcoming Youth Olympics.
She thanked President Bola Tinubu for the unexpected recognition, noting she was so unprepared for the event that her kit had to be brought from home.
She vowed to give her best performance for Nigeria during the games in Dakar.
The athlete also expressed appreciation to Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun for his consistent support of sports development.
She specifically thanked the governor for his efforts during the national sports festival and wished him continued blessings.
Majekodunmi concluded by acknowledging the support of her teammates, classmates, coaches, and family members.
The NSC stated that presenting awards at schools promotes transparency, discourages age cheating, and highlights the success of the school sports system.
The tour began in Lagos at Grange School, honoring swimmers Aidan Dumuije-Abili and Tofunmi Ibidapo for their recent African championship achievements.
Dumuije-Abili set five records and won eight medals at that event, while Ibidapo also secured multiple podium finishes.
Olopade explained that the commission is now extending financial rewards to grassroots talents after previously funding elite athletes.
He revealed that grassroots discoveries accounted for over 200 of the 376 international medals won by Nigeria in 2025.
Olopade noted the initiative follows President Tinubu’s lead in ensuring the nation shows gratitude to those who bring it honor.
He concluded by stating that 2025 was a landmark year for talent discovery, making the outlook for 2028 very promising.
