Sports
Dolphins Fail To Beat Rangers In PH
It was a boring atmo
sphere as Dolphins failed to consolidate on their hard fought draw at Sharks last week, ending their encounter against Rangers 0-0 at the Port Harcourt Liberation stadium.
Though Rangers acted like they did not want to play in the first half, as their players fell at every touch, they came out strongly in the second period giving Dolphins some cause for concern.
Dolphins had just three shots at goal in the first half and one on target while Rangers held down the midfield through Obinna Nwobodo and Justice Chinedu.
With the Dolphins gaffer bringing on Bolaji Sarkin and Omo Johnson in the second half, he wanted to take the fight to Rangers and it almost paid off in the 60th minute when Fred Okwara and Eduok got in each other’s way from Chidiebere Okolie’s cross.
Emem Eduok missed again at least twice and substitute, Omo Johnson had his header ricochet off the bar in the 73rd minute.
Another substitute, Bolaji Sarkin almost scored in added time but Rangers owned their goalkeeper, Jonah Usman a big thank as he tipped the effort over the bar.
Enugu Rangers head coach, John Obuh was satisfied with the outcome.
“I am happy with the point we got,” Obuh said.
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.