Sports
Heartland Apologises For 0-3 Loss To Sunshines
Captain of Heartland FC of
Owerri, Chinedu Efugh yesterday apologised to fans of the club for the 0-3 home loss to Sunshine Stars FC of Akure. The team captain told newsmen that the team‘s loss was regrettable.
“It was as a result of ill-luck,” Efugh said.
Heartland also known as the ‘Naze millionaires’ lost 0-3 in a week seven match played on Sunday at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri.
Efugh said the club would strive to secure the maximum three points in the return leg in Akure.
“As sad as it was, we could not contain Sunshine Stars, but with this result, it will challenge us to ensure that we win our return leg and get the maximum three points.
“I really cannot pinpoint what went wrong, I can only attribute our failure to ill-luck considering the fact that we were at home.
“This goes to show that everyone is stepping up in the league; playing at home or away does not change anything.
“Heartland expresses our sincere apology to our teeming supporters. We have learnt from our mistakes. We are determined to work on areas that we have identified that we were weak before our subsequent matches.
“We are counting on the unwavering support of our fans and management; we shall pick one of the continental tickets at the end of the season,” Efugh re-assured.
Heartland will visit Enugu Rangers in the week eight encounter of the ongoing 2014/2015 Glo Premier League season on Sunday.
The Naze millionaires are currently placed on 10th position of the league table, with nine points from five matches.
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.