Sports
B’Ball League: Union Bank Battles Delta Force, Islanders Take On Warriors
As the Dstv Men’s
Basketball League gain momentum, the Union Bank Basketball Club of Lagos is billed to clash with Delta Force of Asaba, while Lagos Islanders take on Dodan Warriors of Lagos.
Already the followers of the games have branded both clashes scheduled for the Indoor Sports Hall of the National Stadium as the battle of “the titans’’
The Union Bank and Delta Force both suffered defeats in week five matches played on May 1. The two lost to their opponents that came from behind to snatch the victories in overtime.
Union Bank which controlled of the game earlier but fell to Dodan Warriors, 60-56.
The defeat compounded their woes in the current league, having lost three of their five matches played so far. The Delta Force was also humbled by the visiting Kwara Falcons of Ilorin, 76-70 in the week five match of the ongoing league in Asaba.
Coach Ayinla Johnson of Union Bank told newsmen that his team had put the loss behind them and were ready to go for the maximum points from Delta Force.
“We have put our previous loss behind us; we have to move forward and work hard. We reviewed our last match and identified our area of weaknesses. Haven seen our errors, we are confident that we are not allowing such silly errors in our upcoming matches.
“Playing against Delta Force will be a different ball game, but we are confident of winning the match,” Johnson said.
Coach Benson Aikoroje of the Delta Force said that victory in Lagos would be “fantastic’’, saying his team was looking forward to the big clash against Union Bank.
“We are playing against a tough team that has been in the league for several years, and they have very experienced players. We are optimistic of doing well and getting a good result at the end of the encounter.
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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