Sports
Ikhana Set To Quit Sharks?
Sharks coach Kadiri Ikhana has told close aides that he will quit Sharks if team officials fail to offer him a proper contract.
The coach’s threat was reinforced by his no-show at the Liberation Stadium in the club’s 1-1 derby draw with Dolphins on Saturday; although the official word is that he took ill hours before the game.
Ikhana’s deal with the Port Harcourt club ran out at the end of last season, and there was some confusion in the close season as to whether he was remaining in the Garden City or moving to Sunshine Stars.
In the end, the two-time league winner opted to stay, but left little time to negotiate a new deal before plunging head-on into the new season.
Five match days after the commencement of the current campaign, Ikhana is still waiting for the Sharks hierarchy, represented by the Rivers State Sports Commissioner, to offer him a new contract and his patience appears to have worn thin.
Sharks Secretary Cyril Dum Wite however, said that the club had received no official notification of a resignation from Ikhana.
“We are not aware that he wants to resign. If that were the case, he would send a formal letter,” Wite said.
However, he did admit that the coach was working without a contract but said the issue would be resolved as soon as possible.
Ikhana himself could not be reached for comment.
Sharks are currently at the lower rung of the league table with two points from three matches.
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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