By Ben Efe 3.11.2026
Former Nigerian 400m women great Princess Mabel Madojiemu has congratulated the Eyoto Sports Academy for its resilient pursuit of grassroots athletics development.
Princess Madojiemu made the call ahead of the 7th edition of the Eyoto Sports Academy schools athletics competition billed for December 2-3, 2026 at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium Benin City, Edo State.
“A big congratulations to Eyoto Sports Academy for organising this competition for seven years running.
“Every year my big brothers behind the Eyoto Sports Academy have left everything they are doing home and abroad to come to Benin City just put a smile on the faces of grassroots athletes looking for a platform to showcase their talents.
“This is a programme that has produced a good number of athletes who are doing well at the national level and I call on individuals, corporate bodies and the Edo State government to throw their weight behind this laudable youth developmental programme,” said Princess Madojiemu a product of grassroots competition.
The 2004 Olympian emphasised the importance of grassroots competitions.
“It’s the first foundational step for any athlete and Nigerian sports authorities must pay attention to it like we did in the past.
“Myself and so many of the golden generation of Nigerian athletes were products of grassroots sports.”