Sports
Gokana Utd Tops Group, Secures Promotion
It was celebration galore at the Bera Central football field in Gokana Local Government Area, Rivers State on Friday as home side, Gokana United Football Club ended their home fixtures of the 2013 Nationwide Division Two B league season with a 2-1 Victory over Omaka FC, Port Harcourt.
With the victory came a potential promotion to Nationwide Division one league football next season after the club amassed unassailable 17 points from seven matches with a 100 percent home record.
Also, the club being sponsored by the Gokana local government council and mentored by the Chairman, Hon Demua Leede Demua had the final day goal by Omaka FC as the only one conceded before their home fans throughout the season.
Now, the club has the little matter of playing the season’s final fixture, away to second placed team, Dynamite Force of Benin to conclude the season and be officially confirmed for promotion.
Prior to the week seven matches, Gokana United had 14 points, while Dynamite Force had seven.
In the match with Omaka FC on Friday, both Gokana players and home fans were in celebration mood even before kickoff.
However, as the match rolled on, it was clear that Gokana United was more hungry for goal and victory than the visitors.
But it took a while for the hosts to get into the grove.
Two goals, one either side of the two halves by club’s leading scorer, Dennis Dornu were enough for United to carry the day.
The home team immediately went into cruise control after the goals and treated their fans to exhibition football with one touch possession that left Omaka players chasing shadows.
They could even afford a lost penalty and a goal by the visitors as they tried hard to entertain the fans.
After the match, expectations shifted to life in division one and what the future holds for the club as it hopes to join the elite league in less than two years.
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.