Sports
Coach Dismisses Sack Threat
The Head Coach,
Sunshine Stars FC of Akure, Fatai Amoo, has described the recent call for his dismissal by the club’s supporters, due to his alleged poor performance, as baseless.
Amoo dismissed the threat in an interview with newsmen in Lagos.
“Akure gunners’’ finished the just-concluded 2012/2013 Globacom Premier League in the 12th position, with 52 points from 38 matches.
“I want to categorically state that those allegations are sponsored. The rumour was fuelled by those that are disappointed that the team didn’t suffer relegation.
“The speculations are unfounded and I will advise those peddling the rumour to desist from such; they should not bring chaos into the club,’’ Amoo said.
Amoo said that he would continue to improve himself as a coach, in order to impact positively on players under his tutelage, and to get the club back on the winning track.
“I’m one of the few coaches that try to re-invent every season, so as we speak, I will soon be going for a refresher course in America.
“I believe that learning is a continuous process, as long as one is still alive. I train myself yearly, so I’m in tune with current trends,’’ he said.
The 2012/2013 NPFL season ended on October 20, while the 2013/2014 season is expected to kick off on November 22, 2013.
On the time frame for next season’s resumption date and its feasibility, Amoo said that the break was too short for clubs to restore back to their form.
“Professionally speaking, I think the break is short; anything is possible in Nigeria.
“So, I won’t rule out the possibility of the November 22 resumption date, Sunshine Stars will be ready whenever they are,’’ he added.
Heiwekem Rugby club celebrating
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.