Sports
Scoring Run Excites Nigerian Sensation In Swedish League
BK Hacken of Sweden ‘rave’ of the moment John Chibuike was ecstatic after notching his sixth goal of the season in Hacken’s 2-1 win over Djurgarden early in the week. 21-year-old former Enugu Rangers man has been in splended form in the Swedish Allsvenskan where he has scored some brilliant goals for the Gothernburg side. Croatian forward Hrvoje Milie put the visitors ahead with five minutes into the break; the goal clearly stunned the home side and their loud fans. But Brazilian Viniclus Lopes levelled for Hacken in the 74th minute. Four minutes later, John Chibuike got the winner and his sixth goal of the campaign, to send the BK Hacken fans into frenzy. The midfielder told Tidesports, “It was brilliant to get a goal so important for the team adn which eventually earned us a win. “I couldn’t hide my excitement and delight because it was brilliant to get a goal so important for the team and which eventually earned us a win. “Now we have forgotten about Monday’s game and looking forward to the next one against Elfsborg on Sunday. Surprisingly Chibuike only joined BK Hacken In March from Enugu Rangers in the Nigerian league and has been a great acquisition for the Swedish side. Even though he has regularly been named in the team of the week by journalists in the Scandinavian country, the player insists he has his feet firmly on the ground. “I have kept focused though, and my aim was and has always been to be the best in my position and I am working hard still. “This is important because any league in Europe is a big challenge and I hope to be the best in my position.” “I have big ambitions but in life it is always one step at a time, but for us it was important for us to get a win.” The victory takes the Europa League chasing Hacken in fifth place and Chibuike is confident he and his compatriot Dominic Chatto can help the club attain their target. “Dominic Chatto is a fantastic player and well loved by the fans of the club as well.” Chibuike added: ‘Although Sunday’s game against Elfsborg is a big one, it’s as important as any other when it comes to getting all three points. “But we are all confident that in the end we can take the club to European competition if we continue to believe, then we can.”
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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