Sports
First Bank In Narrow Victory Over Cameroon Side
Nigeria’s First Bank made a good start of their campaign at the ongoing 16th African Women’s Champions Cup Basketball Championship in Bizerte, Tunisia.
The Nigerian champions recorded their first victory of the tournament early in the week, narrowly turning back Cameroon’s INJS 63-59.
The Elephant Girls, as the bankers are fondly known, led all the way throughout, taking the first quarter 24-15.
Although they led at the halfway mark 27-22, the Nigerian girls lost the second quarter and made up for lost grounds in the third quarter, taking their lead to 49-41.
They play their second game of the competition later on Monday against Desportivo Maputo of Mozambique.
Ten clubs are taking part in the week-long tournament.
They are hosts Tunisia’s CSFB, Saint Louis Basketball Club of Senegal, Arc-en-ciel of Congo DR, INJS of Cameroon, Angola’s Interclube, BBCM of Madagascar.
Others are ABC of Cote d’Ivoire, First Bank of Nigeria, Desportivo Maputo of Mozambique and APR of Rwanda Interclube are the frontrunners with two wins in the tournament after beating BBCM of Mozambique 98-53 and Tunisia’s CSFB 84-53.
African B/Ball Tourney
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.