Sports
HOS Cup: Information Marches On …Beats Govt House 1-0
Former winners, the Mighty Sparrows of Ministry of Information and Communications yesterday at the Sharks FC Stadium scaled the second round hurdle in the ongoing Rivers State Civil Service football competition, christened Head of Service, HOS, Cup.
The Information and Communication team overcame their Government House counterparts to berth in the quarter final stage.
It was a keenly contested encounter that saw action swinging from side to side, especially, in the first half.
The Government House team, eager to subdue their opponents, seen as their major obstacle in the competition, having lost to them on two previous occasions tried to grab an early goal.
However, the closest their sustained pressure came to upsetting the Mighty Sparrows was when a fierce free kick by their central defender forced the keeper to parry the ball to the cross bar and their attacked failed to take advantage of the rebound.
In the second half, the Sparrows grew into the game and the pressure changed sides. One of the numerous corner kicks was converted by their hitman, Francis Edookor midway in the second half.
Government House made renewed efforts to draw level but was rebuffed by the resilient defending of the Mighty Sparrows.
In the other matches decided yesterday, Ministry of Special Duties achieved an emphatic 3-0 victory over the office of the Secretary to the State Government, SSG, in a mostly one-sided affairs.
Also, the Civil Service Commission trounced Ministry of Employment Generation 3-0 to reach the next round.
In another close encounter, Ministry of Sports came from behind to overhaul the office of Head of Service team 2-1 and book a date with the Mighty Sparrows in the third round on Friday.
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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