Sports
Amaechi Cup Gets More Thumbs Up
As the Old Port Harcourt- Borikiri Street Football competition tagged Amaechi Cup and sponsored by the Rivers State Governor, Rt Hon. Chibuike Amaechi, gathers steam, commendations have continued to come its way.
The latest came from ex-Sharks FC’s player, Inigbelamie Fubara.
Fubara described the tournament as a welcome development, especially as it concerns grassroots sports development and promotion.
The ex-Sharks player made the commendation in an interview with Tidesports, yesterday in Port Harcourt.
According to him, the competition would not only discover talents and promote sports, it would also boost economic activities in the area.
“I am very happy with the competition, because our youths will be engaged and talents would be discovered to play for either Sharks or Dolphins FCs.
“Our governor really thought well to sponsor such a competition. The prize money, though is big, should not really be an issue, the main issue is that there is peace in the area now,” Fubara said.
He explained that he started from the grassroots, before playing for Sharks.
“My brother I was also discovered through this type of tournament, that is why I commend the governor for this competition.
“We have abundant talents in the state that have been rusting away,” he added.
Fubara used the forum to advise the players to put in their best and eschew violence during and after the competition to enable the tournament achieve its purpose.
“I want to advise the youths, particularly players in the competition to avoid troubles within and outside the pitch so that the tournament can achieve the purpose it was designed to achieve,” he stated.
In matches decided yesterday on Day Six of the competition, Harold Wilson Street lost by a lone goal to Barham, Nembe Street beat Isaka Street 2-0 and Stadium Road overcame Enugu 4-2.
The competition enters Day Seven today with three matches. The first game will be the second round games with Rex Lawson Street taking on Harbour Road and Niger Street contesting with Ndoni.
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.
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