Sports
‘Sharks Can Dominate Group C’
The Chairman of Sharks FC Supporters Club, Minaiyo Igani, has expressed optimism that Sharks would qualify from the group stage of the 2012 Federation Cup and go on to lift the trophy.
Igani made the expression in an interview with Tidesports yesterday.
According to him, with the level of commitment, enthusiasm and determination being demonstrated by Sharks players this season, they can go all the way in the competition.
“As a matter of fact, Sharks players are in top form currently, they play with improved cohesion and hunger for success.
I know that Sharks have a very good team that can take on any side in Nigeria at the moment”, Igani said.
He explained that since the matches were going to be played on a neutral ground, he had no fears that Sharks would excel.
“I am happy that the matches are to be played on a , Sharks will win all their matches.
“In recent times, I have been very comfortable anytime Sharks are playing both home and away because the players are in their right elements”, he stated.
He continued that Rangers FC, current league leaders cannot stop Sharks.
“I am very optimistic that Rangers FC, the current league leaders cannot hinder Sharks progress in the Federation Cup Campaign.
As a matter of fact, Sharks will beat Rangers, because they have the capacity to do so”, he added.
The Sharks Supporters Club boss used the forum to advise referees for the Federation Cup matches to live up to expectations.
Tonye Orabere
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.