Sports
Team Mates Pay Tributes
The late Nigerian prolific striker, Rashidi Yekini, was on Saturday eulogised by his team mates and football fans as he was buried, saying he would be remembered for his great contributions to football.
Mutiu Adepoju, a former team mate and Manager of 3SC of Ibadan, said Yekini would be remembered for so many good things, especially for his football exploits.
“Yekini is the one and only great man and player who has done Nigeria proud on many occasions when he was playing. I wish him eternal rest,’’ he said.
He told newsmen that he saw Yekini three weeks ago without any sign of illness or fatigue.
“I saw him about three weeks ago and he didn’t look sick, though we didn’t see at close distance but he looked healthy,’’ Adepoju said.
Thompson Oliha described the death of Yekini who played for Vitoria Setubal FC of Portugal as sad and untimely.
“It’s sad that he has to leave us now, when so many young talents can benefit from his wealth of experience, but nobody can question God.
“We also lost our medical man in person of Alashi Johnson in Kwara; may his soul rest in peace,” Oliha said
Ike Shrounmu, a former Super Eagles goalkeeper said Yekini’s death was painful.
“It’s very painful, we tried our best to support him, it was shocking news from his family; we lost a great player.
“I am on my way for his burial at Irra now, I pray God will give his family and friends the fortitude to bear the loss,’’ Shrounmu said
For Nduka Ugbade, the death of his former team mate was a shocking development.
He said that he was not in a position to speak further on it but would do so in due course.
Others who mourned Yekini are Sanusi Mohammed, the Director of Competitions, Nigeria Football Association (NFA) and former Super Eagles Assistant coach, Joe Erico.
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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