Sports
De-Pioneers Ex-Boss Calls For Engagement Of Young Coaches
Former head-coach of De-
pioneers, Football Club of Port Harcourt, Nwoke Benjamin, has appealed to clubs owners in Nigeria to employ up coming coaches in order for them to show case their talents.
Benjamin, who just rounded off his coaching course with National Institute of Sports (NIS) Lagos, made the appeal in an exclusive interview with Tidesports in Port Harcourt at the weekend.
According to him, it is imperative to encourage young coaches, enable them exhibit what they have learnt and prove themselves.
“Club Owners in Nigeria should please give young/upcoming coaches a chance because this will in turn contribute to the develop of football in the country.
“As I speak to you, I have already acquired the form to enroll in the CAF grade B coaching course, Besides, I need opportunities to show what I can do”, Benjamin said.
He used the forum to commend League Management Company (LMC) as they have restructured and improved Nigeria Football.
The coach further lauded Nigeria Premier League refrees and urged them to live up to expectations, especially, their show of discipline and unbiased officiating.
“After I watched some of the first league games in the season, I observed that our league has improved.
It is also important that the LMC does everything to sustain the tempo”, he stated.
Tonye orabere
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.