Sports
Erema Wins 2014 NNPC/TEPNG Football Competition
It was an explosion of emo
tions and quality football skills as curtain drew on the 13th edition of the NNPC/TEPNG Football Competition for OML 58 host communities in Rivers State last week.
The final match of the competition sponsored by Total E&P was decided on Thursday at the football field of Western Ahoada County High School, Ahoada, between the teams of Erema and Ogbogu communities.
In the end, Erema, the seven time champions made it eight with a late minute goal that sent their fans into cloud nine.
There was demonstration of what the competition meant and has brought to the communities as Erema fans, both old and young took to the field at the final whistle, sang and danced with reckless abandon. For the time, all troubles and ill-feelings were apparently forgotten.
According to a couple of the fans who celebrated, the football competition has been a blessing for the communities, especially, the youth, who have benefited so much.
Indeed, the final match was an enthralling experience as both finalists exhibited quality performance that could pass for a professional league match.
Ogbogu, who were trying to get their hands on the trophy for the first time pushed perennial winners, Erema all the way, led by their impressive captain, Henry Johnson, who emerged the most valuable player of the competition.
But Erema summoned all their wealth of experience to stay alive and claimed the ultimate prize deep into added time.
Speaking during the closing ceremony, the Deputy Managing Director, Port Harcourt District of Total, Mr Nicolas Brunet, represented by the Executive General Manager, Engr Vincent Nnadi said that the competition is an illustration of the relationship Total would want to preserve with the communities.
He expressed pride at the progress being made by some products of the competition who are playing professional football in Romania and stated that they would continue to work towards restrcturing the competition to enhance its quality, glamour and value.
Other individual prizes went to Chief Ajie of Ogbazu who emerged the highest goal scorer with six goals and Julius Enebeli of Erema, the best goalkeeper, while the team from Eyekele Community earned the fair play award.
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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