Sports
Rivers Very Safe, Homely – American Basketballers
Visiting American Basketballers and coaches to Rivers State have expressed shock over uncomplimentary media reports on the security challenges in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State Capital which does not reflect the true situation on ground.
Cecil Sievers, Nathaniel Achibald and Mitch Duren made their feelings known yesterday when they accompanied the President of Royal Hoopers Basketball Club, Port Harcourt on a courtesy call on the Rivers State Governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Romiti Amaechi at Government House, Port Harcourt.
The Amercians, who were visiting Nigeria for the first time, said the impression given to them in the media and at the Embassy was scary, noting that it was difficult to believe that they would be safe.
“Our visit to the Consulate in Lagos gave us a negative perception of what is happening here but we have been here three days and nothing”, Mitch said.
The visitors contended that what is being fed to the world via the internet or from outside sources do not give the true value of people in the country and urged intending visitors to Port Harcourt to “come and see things for themselves”.
“I’m happy and elated to be here”, Nathaniel Achibald, ace Bolton Celtics Basketballer said, while describing Port Harcourt as a true home.
In his response, Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi said he was surprised that people were yet to tell the world that the state has achieved about 70 per cent peace at the moment.
“You know, when things were bad they were writing that things were bad but now that things have improved, they are no longer there to write the story that things have changed”, Amaechi observed.
The governor, who admitted that things were not yet perfect, said that for the avoidance of doubt, the state government has been hosting Commonwealth Parliamentarians for the past three weeks, with some delegates as Caucasians, and there has not been any negative report so far.
He argued that it was unfair for the embassies to send wrong signals to their people, noting that if it was that bad, the multinational companies should have left and enjoined the foreign media to report the positive things happening in the state.
The governor, who said the state was tired of being at the receiving end of the propaganda, promised that a media campaign would soon be put in place to correct the negative reporting of the state.
Athletes competing for glory in a meet
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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