Sports
Ex-International Floats Soccer Academy In Aba
Former Nigeria International, Uwakwe Eke has floated a football Academy in Aba, Abia State,.
The newly founded soccer academy Uwakwe Eke Football Academy has become the toast of Aba soccer fans.
The founder, Uwakwe Eke in an exclusive chat revealed that it was his desire to use the academy not only to keep the youth busy but to develop talents who will turn out to be great stars in future”.
He, however, disclosed that the academy is exclusively for youngsters between the ages of 10-20 years. Already, not less than 25 players are sweating it out at the academy at Osisi Oma, Aba.
He nevertheless used the opportunity to call on interested parents and guardians wishing to enroll their wards and children within the age bracket to avail themselves of the opportunity
Responding to questions, the soft spoken Eke, whose striking prowess was a delight to watch when he was playing for Iwuanyanwu Nationale of Owerri, NEPA of Lagos, NPA Port Harcourt, Dragons FC of Cotonou, Royal Racing in Belgium where he finally retired, maintained that the registration is open to every Nigerian youth.
“We have comfortable accommodation and a sizeable bus to ease players’ transport problems, including other sporting facilities needed to impart the basics of the game to the youth.
“All things being equal, our focus and determination is geared towards ensuring that the academy with its administrative set up becomes not only the best in the South-South region but the one that can guarantee a player easy passage to abroad for professional career at the right time”, he said.
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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