Sports
Dolphins’ Top Four Position Excites Eguma
Dolphins’ Manager, Stanley Eguma has expressed his delight at over club’s new form and climb up the Nigeria professional Football League, (NPFL) table in the past few weeks. According to him, he is enjoying the view from fourth place as he looks down on sixteen other clubs on the log.
After the home draw against Sunshine Stars in week 4, Dolphins were in 16th position but since then, they have won every home match played and picked points on the road to Sharks and Kwara United to move to the fourth spot.
In Port Harcourt last weekend, it was a hard fought 1-0 win over Elkanemi on a waterlogged pitch due to heavy rains and Eguma said he was happy that their hard work is finally bearing fruit.
“We have all worked hard and I am happy we have moved to fourth place. It’s actually a good feeling to be up here.
“Now we have to keep fighting, not relent and grab points on the road to move further up into top three,” Eguma said.
Less than one minute into the game on Sunday, El Kanemi’s Isaac Giwa tried a back pass to his goalkeeper, David Obiasor, but the ball stopped in a pool of water.
With Derek Amadi running in for the ball, Giwa pulled him down and the referee promptly pointed to the spot.
Victor Ezuruike converted the kick and Dolphins held on until the end of the game.
In the 71st minute, Isaac Giwa was sent off for a second bookable offence.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner for Sports in Rivers State, Hon Fred Igwe has stated his belief that Dolphins’ sister-club, Sharks, which is currently struggling at the wrong end of the league table, will surely stabilise and escape relegation.
Speaking with Tidesports in his office, Hon Igwe said that Sharks FC’s current challenges were not unexpected.
According to him, “when you are referring and rebuilding, you are bound to face challenges you may straggle initially because those affected by the reform and even. Some of the people working with you who may not be at home with the reforms can work against you.
‘But we’re working towards improving the situation. You can now see that the club has started picking up points away from home.
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.