Sports
Amaechi Canvesses Support For Eagles
Rivers State governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Amaechi has called for mass support and prayers from all Nigerians for the Super Eagles in their bid to qualify for FIFA World Cup taking place in South Africa next year.
Also, Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital has been selected to host the 2010 Nigerian Football Awards organised by the African Independent Television (AIT) and sponsored by Telecommunication giant, MTN.
Governor Amaechi who made the call recently in Abuja at the 2009 MTN-AIT Football Awards also prayed for the National Team’s qualification, with the guests at the epoch-making events saying “Amen.”
His words: Now we’re struggling to qualify. We no longer depend on our legs to qualify for the world cup, but on prayers. I pray that Eagles will qualify. Cheer Eagles when we play in Nairobi, Kenya. I am an Arsenal supporter for life, even if they’re losing. Please let Nigerians support Super Eagles for life. Currently, Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) is doing well to ensure they qualify.
Rt. Hon. Amaechi who was accompanied by his wife, Judith at the epoch-making occasion evoked emotion when he requested the audience to observe a minute silence in honour of the late DAAR Communication Group Manager, Director, Alhaji Ladi Lawal who was said to have contributed meaningfully to the concept of the Awards before his death.
“Shall we stand up and observe a minute’s silence in honour of Alhaji Ladi Lawal, he requested, and the guests obliged him, after which he prayed for the repose of his soul thus, “May his gentle soul rest in peace” and all said ‘Amen’.
Governor Amaechi thanked AIT and MTN for what he termed a good move and urged them not to relent in their efforts at taking awards to the heights.
Confirming the hosting rights of the 2010 Awards on Port Harcourt at the end of the 2009 events, the Awards Panel, led by its chairman veteran sports journalist, Paul Bassey presented Governor Amaechi with an insignia (flag).
In accepting to host the event next year, governor Amaechi recalled that some companies pulled out of the Niger Delta region in the past, even where their presence and services were required by the region. He said, MTN-the sponsor of the award had to abandon the sponsorship of polo tournament in Port Harcourt for the state government which took over, adding, “On behalf of the Niger Delta, I welcome all those who abandoned us back (to the region)” and assured of a hitch-free event.
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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