Sports
Ngenevu FC Wins Maiden Utaka Cup
The maiden edition of John Utaka-sponsored Grassroot Soccer Unity Cup has ended in Enugu, the coal city state with Ngenevu Football Club emerging winner after handing their opponent, Taylor| silver FC also of Enugu , 1-0.
Finals of the grassroot armature soccer competition, sponsored by the Enugu state born Portsmouth and Super Eagles striker, John Utaka, was played recently at the newly laid Artificial Turf stadium of Enugu campus of University of Nigeria, Enugu campus (UNEC) in the state capital, Enugu.
The encounter, watched by hundreds of soccer fans also attracted some football loving personalities including the state Commissioner for Sports, Mr. Martin Idu, as well as mother of the international football star, Mrs. Roseline Utaka. Speaking on behalf of his brother at the ceremony, elder brother to John, Ndubuisi Utaka, explained that the foreign-based player decided to sponsor the grassroot soccer tournament as part of his contribution towards keeping youths of the area busy and away from social ill since “ an idle mind is always the Devil’s workshop.”
According to the senior Utaka, the well organised competition, gulped over N5 million naira, 1 million went to the winners, while runners up got N .5 million, and the 3rd placed competitors received N2 million.
John Utaka, he assured, is committed in promoting grass root soccer in the state and country in general, saying the Super Eagles striker, who hails from Udi local government Area of Enugu State intends making the competition an annual event.
Expressing his feelings to Sports Writers shortly after the end of the match, Enugu state commissioner for sports, Mr. Matthew Idu applauded the sponsor for his initiative, saying it falls in line with his philosophy of harnessing grass root talents.
He promised that his ministry would always encourage such developments at all times, calling on other foreign-based Nigerian players to emulate the good example of the Portsmouth striker, describing it as the best way to promote football in the country .
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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