Sports
NPL Scribe Insists On November To End Season
The Nigerian Premier League (NPL) has warned Enugu Rangers and other clubs in the elite division that the November date for the conclusion of the 2010/2011 League Season is irreversible.
Speaking on the Rangers proposed trip to Ghana for an encounter with Hearts of Oak billed for November 13th, the acting executive secretary of the NPL, Tuniyi Babalola stated that no letters would be entertained from any quarters that would wish for another extension of the delayed League Season.
Bebalola who said this on a Silverbird television programme monitored in Port Harcourt said that Nigerian female league is superior to any invitational tournament.
“I have to confirm that we are not going to honour that letter when the league supposed to have ended, he maintained.
The NPL scribe, also said that NPL clubs are expected to end the league on the November 13, adding that clubs who did not agree with the date should go for international tournament.
Meanwhile, the chief executive officer of Enugu Ranger FC, Paul Chibuzor Ozor said that there was no going back on their trip to Ghana since they were committed to honouring the privilege accorded them.
He however blamed the development on incessant postponements of the league fixtures.
“We have been planning for the trip even before they kept on changing the date for end of the league season.” We are going to honour that match in Ghana.
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.