Sports
Rivers Hoopers Coach Predicts Tough Basketball Finals
Rivers Hoopers head
coach Ogoh Odaudu has said that a tough challenge awaits his wards in the DSTV Basketball League Finals when all qualified teams slug it out in Lagos this week.
The two-time champions qualified alongside Atlantic Conference winners Kwara Falcons, Nigeria Customs and Oluyole Warriors from the Atlantic Conference while former champions Kano Pillars, Gombe Bulls, Plateau Peaks and Niger Potters will host the Savannah Conference flag.
Odaudu, a former Nigeria international is nonetheless optimistic his side will give a good account of themselves.
“Considering the fact that we just got off from relegation, this is the first season and we are now playing against two podium finishers last season. It is going to be very difficult,” Odaudu said as a background.
“It is going to be an uphill task but just like I always say, we are not going to go to Lagos just to go and participate.
“We are going go to Lagos and we are going to compete.” he said.
Hoopers have been placed in Group B which has Kano Pillars, Gombe Bulls and Oluyole Warriors while Group A comprises of Kwara Falcons, Nigeria Customs, Plateau Peaks and Niger Potters.
Despite the apparent strength of the two teams from the Savannah Conference in Group B, the Benue-born tactician disclosed his preference and thinks his side can progress beyond the group stage.
“Perfectly, I prefer the group that I am right now because in group A, you are going to qualify for the semi-finals but you are going to meet either of Kano or Gombe Bulls in the semi-finals and by that time, they would have played two or three games. It is better to play them now than to play them in the semi-final stages.” Odaudu explained.
He has however set a minimum target of a podium finish for his side at the end of the final play offs of this season’s DSTV Baskeball League.
“We hope to come first, second or third, that is what our target is,” he confidently asserted.
“Basketball is not played on paper. We can as well say we are going to win the final but when we get there, we cannot tell what will happen.”he concluded.
Hoopers will open their Finals campaign today against Gombe Bulls at the Indoor Sports Hall of the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.
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.