Sports
N10m Up For Grabs In Rivers Gov’s Cup
A total prize money of N10 million is up
for grabs on the 2012 edition of Rivers State Governor’s Cup competition.
The soccer competition which is being
organised by the Rivers State Football
Association (RSFA) is expected to kick-off on September 11, 2012.
This is the first time such huge prize
money is at stake for football clubs in the 23 local government areas of Rivers
State.
Meanwhile, the Rivers RSFA has called on the chairmen of all local
government councils in the state to register their clubs for the competitions.
The Secretary of the association, Ibigoni
Benjamin-Akobo, who made the call on Monday thanked teams that participated in
the past editions and called for early registeration.
Benjamin – Akobo further disclosed that the
association prohibits the participation of players who are involved in any of
the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) organised leagues up to Amateur Division
three in the current season (2011/2012).
According to him, players/teams are
expected to show medical fitness as well as letter of undertaking, as
organisers will not be liable for any injury sustained in the course of
participation.
Registration for the competition commences
from 14th of this month to 23rd July, while draws for the competition will be
held on the 16th of August.
Isaac Nwankwo
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.