Sports
Anifowose Gets Two-Match Ban
Kwara United Football Club’s Ganiyu Anifowose has been handed a two-match ban in the ongoing season 2010/2011 Nigerian Premier League competition, the organisers announced in Abuja, early in the week.
The organisers, the Nigeria Premier League (NPL), said the sanction was due to an unsportsmanlike behaviour displayed by the player during his club’s match with Sunshine Stars FC of Akure last weekend.
The incident was recorded during their week 10 match played at the Gateway International Stadium in Ijebu-Ode last Sunday, which Sunshine Stars won 1-0.
“An on-screen assessment of the match indicated that Anifowose displayed unsportsmanlike behaviour which contradicts the rules and regulations of the NPL.
“Based on this, Anifowose has been suspended for two matches with a fine of N100,000 which is to be paid on or before the competition’s week 13 matches.
“Any failure to comply with this sanction, especially the fine, will earn the player an indefinite suspension,’’ the NPL acting Executive Secretary, Mr Tunji Babalola, told The Tide in an interview.
Anifowose will miss his Ilorin club’s first league derby match with city rivals Bukola Babes FC, scheduled for Bauchi’s Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium, where the latter club now plays their home matches.
He would also miss their home match against 3SC of Ibadan in week 13, scheduled for the Kaduna Township Stadium.
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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