Sports
Appacino FC Wins Abua/Odual Champions Cup
The Abua/Odual
Football Association (FA) is working on how to develop female soccer and also raise a formidable Under 17 Football team for the local government area.
The Chairman of the Association in Abua/Odual, Mr. Solomon D. Igbanibo who revealed this over the weekend shortly after the finals of the Champion’s Cup competition in the area, said that lack of funds is a major challenge to the association and appealed for association sponsors to collaborate with the association to maintain the tempo of organizing soccer in the area.
He further explained that after the champions cup competition the association would garanish efforts on how to raise funds to improve female soccer and organize under 17 competition in the area.
Igbanibo noted that the idea of all these was to engender the peace that is prevailing in the area and also raise talents and expose them to clubs.
He promised to sustain the tempo as to engage the youths meaningfully, expressing happiness that the various competitions in the LGA were already getting recognition across the state.
He said that the Championship organized to bring the two champions who featured in two different competitions, Chairman’s Cup and Abua/Odual Unity Cup to compete for honours.
He noted that the Association and All Stars in the state are determined to develop grassroots soccer in the area, adding that the peace and unity existing in the area is due to the soccer competition in the local Government Area.
At the end of the competition Appacino football club of Abua defeated the United Brothers 5-1 to lift the prestige cup.
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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