Sports
Emordi Seeks Motivation For Rangers
New coach of Nigeria Premier League side Rangers International, Okey Emordi, has stated that players need to be better motivated if the club hopes to win trophies this season.
Emordi, who is making a fifth return to the club he once played for, revealed that the only remedy that can solve the years of not winning a trophy is for the government of Enugu to adequately motivate the team.
“It is shameful that a club of that magnitude has not won any trophy for the past 30 years. It is not something that anybody should celebrate. I played for this club and I know what it is to win trophies every season,” Emordi told newsmen last week.
“But a lot has happened over the years and for it to change, the government must know that it is good to motivate the players and make them happy at all times. I know they are doing their best, but they must do more.”
Traditional eastern Nigeria team Rangers finished in the middle of the pack last season, failing to live up to their high standards. The last time they won the league title was in 1984. Their popularity has been eclipsed by younger teams such as Enyimba, that were until recently coached by Emordi.
“I have looked at the kind of players in the team and the only way the best can come out of them is to make them happy and when they are happy, they will give their best,” said Emordi.
“Every other thing will surely fall into place when the players know that their welfare is top priority. I know the owners of the club will do their best because we want to make sure that the club win at least one trophy this season,” said the trainer.
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.