Sports
EPL: Man City Plots Victory Over Villa …Eyes Top Spot Title
Premier League favourites Manchester City is not getting carried away with possible League glory as they prepare to face mid-table Aston Villa tonight.
The Citizens are now in the pound seat to take this year’s title after Liverpool’s 3-3 draw with Crystal Palace on Monday, yet coach Manuel Pellegrini insists his side are merely focused on winning their next encounter.
“We have to win the game against Aston Villa; then at the end of the week, we will see which team has more points,” the Chilean told a press conference ahead of today’s match-up.
“We will prepare exactly the same as we have done in all the games during the year. The next game is always the most important.
“It is a difficult game because all the teams are under pressure. A lot of people said Everton were not going to win because they didn’t want Liverpool to win the title but we had a very tough game against them.”
When asked if he watched Liverpool’s draw at Selhurst Park, Pellegrini replied,”No, I didn’t.
“It is just one result and it is very difficult to win games in the Premier League. You cannot be sure you are winning until the end. Crystal Palace are a good team in a good moment.
“Crystal Palace did not have anything to fight for but they were very strong.
“I am sure Aston Villa will be a difficult team for us but I hope that if we play at home as we have done so far, we can win.”
The manager then thanked the Etihad faithful for their continual support, and hopes his side will be able to lift the League trophy for their vocal supporters.
“It is very important that the supporters have always believed in what we are doing,” he said.
“At the beginning of the season, we didn’t play well away from home but they are always behind the team and always supporting.
“Of course, if we win the Premier League, it will be very important for all of them. It is not easy to win two titles in three seasons but I hope we can do it because the fans deserve it.”
Meanwhile, Paul Lambert has vowed that Aston Villa will attack Manchester City when they meet at the Etihad Stadium tonight.
City will take a two-point lead at the top of the table if they win today’s game in hand against Villa.
Manuel Pellegrini’s side have only suffered one home defeat in the top flight this season, but Lambert is plotting to produce another twist in the title race as his side attempt to build on a 3-1 win over Hull City that ensured they are now safe.
“We’re not going there just to make up the numbers, we’re going there to try to win,” said the Scot.
Table Tennis players struggling for honour during a national sporting event in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, recently
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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