Sports
Councillor Hails Ikpokiri Stars Over INTELS Cup Victory
The councillor representing Ikpokiri Ward 6 in Ogu/Bolo Local Government Legislative Assembly, Hon Josiah Samuel has hailed the champions of the first INTELS Cup Football Competition among clubsides in Ogu, Ikpokiri Stars FC, for making the community proud.
Hon Samuel made the commendation in an interview with The Tidesports at Ogu soon after the final game in which Ikpokiri Stars beat the Future Stars of Ogu. He said that the team’s performances through out the championship had shown that they were indeed stars to watch out for.
According to him, the people of the Ikpokiri community would remain grateful to them for emerging winners of the first ever INTELS Cup Football Competition for teams in Ogu, of the company’s host communities, pointing out that they are worthy ambassadors of the people.
Hon Samuel, who is also the Deputy Leader and Councillor incharge of youths, sports, culture and tourism, however, attributed their victory to hardwork and team spirit. He assured that the team would successfully defend the cup come next year.
“Certainly, it is a team to beat in the Local Government Area as only Sharks or Dolphins of Port Harcourt could beat them in any competition in the state,” Samuel boasted. He thanked the organizers of the competition, for giving the youths a sense of belonging.
Also speaking, the coach of Ikpokiri Stars FC, Josiah Aguru thanked God for the victory and hoped to sustain the team for future competitions in and outside the local government area.
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.