Sports
Nikke Boys FC In Mega Soccer Quarter Final
The Nikke Boys Football Club of Port Harcourt over the weekend qualified for the quarter finals of the ongoing mega soccer championship after defeating Ogoni United FC 7 – 6 through Penalty shootout at N06 field playground, Port Harcourt Township.
The march which was described as one of the most entertaining in the competition saw the Ogoi United FC display football artistry to hold the Nikke Boys FC 2-2 at 90 miniutes of play in the second round of the elimination series.
The Nikke Boys who entered the competition with high hopes saw their first attempt on goal at 12 minutes saved by their opponent’s goal keeper pulled up the strings to record their first attempt with a fantastic goal three minutes later.
Nikke Boys, however, scored the equalizer within a space of 33 minutes in the first half as they continued pilling and pushing in and got their second goal making it 2-1.
But unfortunately, a Nikke defender committed a foul in the 18 yard box which gave the Ogoni United an ample opportunity to make the score line 2-2 in the first half.
In the second half, several scoring chances were missed by both teams especially the Nikke Boys whose scoring chances hit the cross bar severally and also the defensive prowess of the Ogoni United proved to be another deadlock for the opponents as the score line still remained 2-2 till the end of 90 minutes.
In the penalty shootouts, the Nikke Boys FC beat the Ogoni United FC 7-6 on goal aggregate and moved into quarter finals of the championship.
In an interview with The Tidesports shortly after the match an elated Team Manager of Nikke Boys FC Mr. Eremie Sunday Abere said he was happy for his team beating their opponents as they progressed into the next round of the competition.
According to him, his boys plaved according to plan as then were able to control the pressure from their opponents and also the referee who contolled the proceedings of the game.
“It was a very good day or us because my players played according to plan and also I have to thank the referee because he really established his precence on the pitch, he controls the game very well, infact, everything went well.
Gold Monday
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.