Sports
Nwofor Happy With Move To Lierse
Nigeria international
striker Uche Nwofor believes his move to Belgian side Lierse S.K will aid his progression as a player.
The Super Eagle has sealed a one-year deal with Lierse after his contract with Dutch club VVV-Venlo ended by mutual consent.
Nwofor spent last season on loan at SC Heerenveen.
However that spell in the top-flight was blighted by injuries that limited his playing time.
“I hope I can make a good contribution here at Lierse and help improve the club,” Nwofor told Tidesports source.
“It should be a great experience for me in the Belgian League so I’m really looking forward to it.
The 22-year-old was part of Nigeria’s World Cup squad and played in their shock 3-2 home defeat by Congo in the African Cup of Nations qualifier .
Nwofor, who has scored three goals in six appearances for Nigeria, believes playing regularly in a top-tier European League will improve him as a player.
He added “The Belgian league is competitive; it gives me a chance to get better and also make big progress in my career.
“I feel right now regular football is what I desire in my progression at a professional level.
“I want to talk less and perform on the pitch because that is my job as a striker.”
The former Enugu Rangers striker is confident he can rediscover his scoring form at Lierse after enduring an injury-plagued 2013/14 season.
“Injury is part of football and I was not very lucky last year,” he explained.
“I had to make a big decision, move to another country and league to help regain my confidence.
“I realised as a national team player you have to push yourself every day and keep working hard.”
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.