Sports
Spanish Soccer Academy Seeks RSG Partnership
In a bid to promote football in Rivers State, the Espanyol Academy in Bacelona, Spain has declared its readiness to partner with the Rivers State government.
This was made known by the Port Harcourt Director of the Espanyol Academy Stanley Wariso, over the weekend.
According to Wariso, the programme is the maiden test of the Europeans in Nigeria and the owner of Espanyol Academy in Bacelona is okay with the progress so far.
The Director boasted that the Espanyol programme was up to standard, saying that, he has never seen a football organisation more standard than the Espanyol Academy Bacalona.
Meanwhile the screening session commenced over the weekend at Port Harcourt Liberation Stadium.
The Espanyol representative, in Port Harcourt, Stanley Wariso, noted the about 40 players had already registered for the Espanyol screening session.
“The screening exercise is open for all who would want a career in football, it is an open door thing, until real business begins”, he said.
He said that the aim was to gather players, screen them, pick the best and send them to the Espanyol Academy in Bacelona after which some lucky players might make it to the Espanyol Club, Bacelona.
Warison, thus thanked the state government and Commissioner for Sports Hon. Boma Iyaye for giving them the opportunity to improve the lots of football in the state.
Also UEFA B licensed coach Christopher Nwachi advised registered players to be committed, disciplined and hardworking during the screening exercise and after.
Nwachi who is based in Bacelona and works with the Espanyol Club, maintains that hard work and commitment is the major key to success.
Captain of the Espanyol team Oye Kachi Okparaji expressed joy, and thanked God for the opportunity to be part of the academy.
He also commended the Rivers State governor Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi and the Commissioner for Sports Boma Iyaye for creating the environment for football to grow to its desired height and provide opportunities for young talents in the state.
“My aim is to serve my nation and make my family and coach proud, Okparaji said.
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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