Sports
12 Clubs Battle For All Stars League Title
The maiden edition of Rivers State All-Stars Premier league has commenced in Port Harcourt with 12 clubs angling for the coveted trophy.
The clubs include All Stars International, Obio/Akpor All-Stars, Bolton All-Stars, Ex-Professionals FC of Eleme, Cystal Stars, Amalgamated All-Stars and Diobu All-Stars FC.
Others are African United All-Stars, Club 58 and Garden City Fellowship Football club.
According to a statement jointly signed by the chairman of the league, Chief Aribitonye Okiri, the secretary, Engr. Promise Alabere and the PRO. Barr. Solomon, the essence of the competition was to bring back the Port Harcourt culture in terms of sports, instill discipline, and create friendship among All-Stars members in Rivers State.
The statement further said that four teams from the Local Government Areas outside Port Harcourt City are participating, but they hope to capture all the 23 Local Governments in the next edition to foster unity and dividends of friendship through sports.
The Local Government Areas are Obio/Akpor, Port Harcourt and Eleme.
It advised other All-Stars teams to inculcate the spirit of togetherness to take football to the highest height, adding that the highest goal scorer, outstanding goalkeeper, most valuable player and the Rest Behaved team would cart away prizes at the grand finale of the competition.
Meanwhile, result of some matches played showed that club 58 and Crystal Stars played 1-1, Diobu All-Stars 0 African United 0, and Veterans United lost to All Stars International 1-2, while Obio/Akpor also lost 0-2 to Noble Stars.
It was Crystal Stars 4 Garden City Fellowship 2, African United lost to Ex-Pro FC of Eleme 1-2, as All Stars International white –washed Bolton All Stars 5-2, while Noble All Stars beat Amalgamated All Stars FC 1-0.
Collins Barasimeye
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.