Sports
Sharks’ Captain Thanks Fans After Home Victory
Captain of Sharks FC of
Port Harcourt, Odinga Odinga, at the weekend thanked fans of the club for their patience with the team during their ‘dark days’.
Sharks had beaten the Warri Wolves 2-1 in the Glo Premier League in Port Harcourt in the first match of the second Stanza of the season.
The player spoke against the backdrop of their poor performance in the first stanza, which was a result of poor motivation from non payment of their salaries.
Fredrick Obomate had scored the first goal for Sharks in the 25th minute from a free kick, while Chiamaka Madu scored the second in the 39th minute.
Kufre Ebong of Wolves, pulled one back in the 82nd minute when Sharks defender failed to clear a loose ball.
Odinga told sports writers after the victory at the Sharks Stadium, Port Harcourt that they would work harder.
“I want to assure you that we are returning to our winning ways because we are playing in our stadium, and I thank the fans for being patient with us.
“We are not just going to win at home, we will also win at away because there is no more home advantage,” he said.
Odinga commended the League Management Company (LMC) and officials of the league for maintaining high standards in officiating.
Sharks Coach, Festus Allen said he was happy that the club started the second round of the league on a winning note.
He assured that they would strive to win in their next game against Sunshine Stars in Akure.
“Every one thousand mile begins with a step and we have started on that step.
“We are taking that step to Akure on Wednesday, to play against the Sunshine Stars. What we are expecting is a win and nothing short of that,’’ he said.
Allen assured fans that the exit of the club’s top striker, Christian Pyagbara, would not affect their fortunes.
Coach of Warri Wolves, Paul Aigbogun said the outcome of the match was not much of a surprise as it was with football.
“I think we did play well in the first half but we came all out in the second half to attack and we had a goal.
“I guess it was fatigue in the first half that adversely affected my boys. We played on Wednesday in Akure and came back with same players, so it was not easy,’’ he said.
Aigbogun said Sharks played better in the first half while his team played better in the second half but failed to take their chances.
“We will go back and work on where we were inefficient, in order to come back stronger,’’ he said.
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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