Sports
Federation Cup: Sharks FC Picks ¼ Final Ticket, Dolphins’ Fate Hangs
Sharks Football Club of Port Harcourt on Saturday at the MKO Abiola stadium, Abeokuta topped the zone with a 2-1 victory over Akwa United of Uyo to confirm their qualification for the quarter final stage of the 2009 Federation Cup competition.
With the victory, Sharks finished the group stage with a remarkable 100 per cent record, winning three out of three matches and scored an impressive eight goals while conceding two.
Kola Anubi and Michael Egbeta were the goal scorers for the Blue Angels.
Reigning Globacom League champions, Bayelsa United picked the second ticket from the group with a lone goal victory over Bussdor United.
Bayelsa, had to bounce back from the opening match loss to Sharks to beat Akwa United and Bussdor to go through.
Meanwhile, in Jalingo, Dolphins may depend on a toss of coin to know their fate after a goalless draw with Rangers International, on Saturday.
Lobi Stars of Makurdi claimed the zone’s first ticket after a 1-0 victory over Enyimba International.
The Stars chalked up six points from two wins after the 1-0 loss to Dolphins in their first match.
After the results, Dolphins and Enyimba are tied on the same three points, three goals for and three against in three matches.
As at press time, Tidesports learnt that organisers of the competition were to hold a closed door meeting to decide whether to use head-to-head, toss of coin or replay to resolve the deadlock.
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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