Sports
Rivers Angels FC Debunks Sacking Of Old Players
The coach of Rivers Angels Football Club of Port Harcourt, Whyte Ogbondah has debunked the rumour making the rounds that management of the team has concluded arrangements to replace some old players with quality players in order to beef-up the team ahead of the 2011/2012 Nigeria Premier League (NPL) season.
Ogbondah who stated this yesterday during an exclusive interview with Tidesports in Port Harcourt described the rumour as unfounded and the imagination of those making the rumour.
He urged the sports loving people of the state to ignore the rumour as it is untrue.
Ogbondah however, acknowledged that the management of the team bought some players whose formality has not been concluded.
“We did not drop any player though we have bought some new players to fortify the team ahead of next soccer season”, he further stated.
The Rivers Angels assistant coach further revealed that the club bought seven players whose names were not disclosed, adding that, they need to fill forms for the new season to as certain their sign-on agreement.
“For now, their names are yet to be known because, we are not sure if they would show-up, until they have made entry for the next season by filling the forms, then, we can be sure that we have them”, he said.
It would be recalled that the Angels won the 2010/2011 Women FA Cup and clinched second position in the league last season. The team is presently working to ensure adequate preparations for the next season.
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.