Sports
Rivers Angels Boss Tasks Iroka On Performance
The Team Manager of the Rivers State Football team, Rivers Angels, Matilda Opuenye, has charged Nigerian international and a member of her team, Glory Chigere Iroka, to sustain the good performance exhibited at the recently concluded Africa Women Championship (AWC), held in South Africa.
Opuenye, made the charge recently during the grand reception of the Super Falcons striker in her home town Ulakwo Etche local government area of Rivers State.
The Rivers Angels manager, commended Iroka’s kinsmen for recognising her achievement and honouring her, while urging her not to relent in her good works.
Highlights of the occasion was the presentation of gifts by the people of Ulakwo and Etche in general to the player.
In her response, Iroka, thanked her people for acknowledging her contribution to soccer and for formally hosting her.
“I am humbled by the gesture of the people of Etche, I appreciate everything they have done to honour me today. I want to assure Etche people and Rivers State in general that I would never let them down,” she pledged.
Dignitaries in attendance included the Rivers State Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Hon. Ogbonna Nwuke among others.
Earlier, Hon. Nwuke had urged Iroka not to allow her current Feat to get to her head, but should see her achievements as a stepping stone to greater heights in her chosen career.
He continued that her kinsmen should not only celebrate her, but should also support her to more glory in her subsequent engagements.
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.