Sports
Hoopers Coach Takes Responsibility For Defeat
Flying Eagles player struggling to get the ball
Kwara Falcons bounced
back from Friday’s loss to beat Rivers Hoopers 65-75, and inflicted a fourth loss of the season on the Host.
Hoopers got off to a great start in the opening stages of the first quarter with some brilliant steals from Victor James. James scored a total of 9points, 4 assists and 5 steals. With 1:44 seconds left to play, the game was tied (14-14) ending the first quarter in favour of the visitors 15-16. The second quarter was also a cagey affair between the two sides. The host added 16 more points but still trailed into the break 31-35.
The third quarter could be regarded as Hoopers most outstanding performance on the day, scoring a total of 25 points. The game was tied again in 5:32 seconds (41-41), the lead was however extended by the home side after two straight 3-pointers from Ronald Alalibo who scored a total of 8 points and 3 assists in the entire game.
Speaking shortly after the game, Coach Ogoh Odaudu took responsibility for his team’s defeat.
“It is not the players’ fault that we lost today, I take all the blame. My team does not play defence. Falcons were blowing pass them at every opportunity and they could not guard one single player and that’s the problem we have. The consolation we have now is that we have two weeks to our next game. I urge you all to come out and watch our next game you will see the difference in the team.” Odaudu said.
Kwara Falcons coach Adewunmi Aderemi said his team played to instructions.
“ I just told them that the team (Hoopers) is a very good team and we respect them a lot because they are very organised and know what to do. I told my boys it’s either win or lose because I didn’t get the best from them, they played to my instructions and not in a hurry to do anything.”Aderemi explained.
Rivers Hoopers will be on standby next week Friday and will next play Nigeria Customs in Port Harcourt on Friday April 29 and Saturday April 30.
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.