Sports
Federation Cup: Confluence Queens Unhappy With Semi-Final Venue
Confluence Queens
Football Club of Lokoja have expressed dissatisfaction with the venue of their semi-final clash in the 2015 Federation Cup as chosen by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).
A statement at the weekend signed by the club’s Media Officer, Tosin Ojo, said the club were not handed a “favourable’’ venue with the choice of Oleh Township Stadium in Delta.
“We have come this far in this year’s Women Federation Cup, though no one gave us a chance against Rivers Angels who are the favorites and defending champions of this competition.
“The Federation Cup ought to be played at a neutral ground, but to our dismay, our match against Bayelsa Queens has been fixed for Oleh Township Stadium.
“And we are all aware that Bayelsa Queens’ borrowed home ground Oghara is located in Delta, which is not fair to us,’’ the statement read.
The Confluence Queens qualified for their first-ever semi-final of the competition after edging out Rivers Angels 2-1.
They have now been paired to take on Bayelsa Queens in the semi-finals on Wednesday for a place in the final of the prestigious competition.
The club’s spokesperson, however, noted that while the team was not scared of playing at the venue “both teams ought to have equal favour in the choice of the venue’’.
“We are not scared of playing there, but both teams should have equal favour as regards the choice of venue.
“I want to believe there is a kind of mix-up somewhere. Maybe the NFF are not aware of the fact that Oghara is Bayelsa Queens’ temporary home ground.
“Oghara is located in Delta, and Bayelsa Queens already have familiarity with the Delta FA officials, match officials and fans alike.
“NFF need to do something to ensure equity, neutrality and fairness,’’ Ojo said in the statement.
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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