Sports
Rivers Angels Crash Out Of Federation Cup
Defending Champions of
the Women’s Federation Cup, Rivers Angels were on Wednesday eliminated from the competition by Confluence Queens of Lokoja in a quarter final clash held at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu.
The Kogi side came from a goal down to edge the six times champions 2-1 via goals from Aluko Mariam and Ikeh Ginika to progress into the last four.
Rivers Angels had taken a first half lead in the 8th minute from Cecilia Nku but coming back into the second half, Aluko Mariam drew level in the 49th minute.
In the 60th minute, Ugo Njoku made a remarkable save as she headed out a shot from Cameroonian Carien Toh on the edge of the post.
Six minutes later, Rosemary Okezie and Mabel Effiom had to scramble for ball inside the 18 yard box from an Ngozi Ebere’s cross but goalkeeper Ruth Sunday came to save the day.
In the 87th minute, Ikeh Ginika who came from the bench made it 2-1 for Confluence Queens thereby eliminating the six times champions from this year’s competition. After the game, assistant coach of Rivers Angels, Whyte Ogonda said his girls failed to utilize their opportunities.
“There’s nothing much about the game but I think Rivers Angels lost the match to Kogi, is not as if Kogi Confluence won Rivers Angels, we gave them the victory by the end of the 90 minutes” Whyte said
“I don’t think we got it wrong tactically anywhere but if you want to talk about tactically, we have to talk about the officiating, I think Rivers Angels got up to five penalties which the referee did not want to give to Rivers Angels but that is not an excuse to me, I felt our girls refused to get our chances because this match Rivers Angels are supposed to have won this match in the first half because we lost about four glaring chances in the first 45 minutes” he added.
Meanwhile, Confluence Queens Coach, Mallam Suleiman Adamu commended the fighting spirit of his girls.
“I think I was very impressed for the game, I thank Almighty God for this victory and I think I commend the fighting spirit of my girls” stated Adamu.
“Is just motivation, we told them that in as much as Rivers Angels can score within the seven minute that if they go in for the second half, within ten minutes they can equalize the game and win.
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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