Sports
Enyimba Plots Rangers Fall In Aba
The Chairman of Enyimba FC of Aba, Felix Anyasi-Agwu, has affirmed the team’s resolve to defeat rivals, Rangers International FC of Enugu on May 27 in Aba.
Anyasi-Agwu told newsmen in Aba after the team defeated Kaduna United 2-0 in a league match that the encounter was a dress rehearsal for their showdown with Rangers.
He said that a victory over the Enugu outfit would narrow the gap between them on the league table.
The chairman said that Enyimba would avenge the 1-0 defeat handed them by Rangers in the first stanza of the season in Enugu.
“Our aim is to defeat Rangers come May 27 and to also narrow the points difference between the two teams. Our victory against Kaduna United has put us in a vantage position,’’ he said.
While commending the coaching crew for the painstaking job they had done on the team, Anyasi-Agwi urged the players to step up their performance and guard against complacency.
“The players have been squandering many scoring chances, particularly at home, and this is affecting our title chase seriously, but hope is not lost yet,’’ he said.
Meanwhile, Enyimba’s Technical Adviser, Austin Eguavoen, said that he was satisfied with the three points the team secured against Kaduna United in spite of the profligacy of his players.
“We have to ensure that we win all our home matches and guard against dropping points at home,’’ he said.
Kaduna United handler, Saleh Tanko Lato, on his part, complained that the officiating was slanted to favour the home side.
He said that his game plan was to defend deep and then catch Enyimba on the break with a counter attack which he said was disrupted by poor officiating.
He added that the ouster of central defender Peter Ambrose compounded their woes as the team had to contend with the ceaseless attacks from Enyimba which resulted to the goals.
“I am not used to castigating referees, but I was not happy with what he did to us and I just have to speak out,’’ he said.
Rangers currently sit atop the NPL table with 46 points from 26 matches, closely followed by Enyimba who have 43 points from the same number of matches.
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.