Sports
Pillars Outclass Hoopers To Top Group B
Rivers Hoopers on
Wednesday lost their last group game to all conquering Kano Pillars 83-62 to finish runners up of Group B of the DSTV Basketball League Final 8 Play offs.
Ronald Alalibo scored 12 points, 2 rebounds, 2 steals and 1 assist while Somtochukwu Managor added 11 points and 4 rebounds in a game that was purely academical with both teams having already qualified for the last four.
The Port Harcourt side had a better and competitive first half performance, taking the lead in the first quarter (16-15) but later lost the second quarter (31-36).
The second half of the game was however one way traffic, as Pillars showed their level of experience blowing away Hoopers with their 3 point shots and forcing them to make a total of 31 turnovers in the entire game.
Thursday is being observed as rest day for the four semifinalists while the classification games will be on. On resumption of play today, Rivers Hoopers will face Nigeria Customs for a place in the final of the 2015/2016 DSTV Basketball League.
After the game, Hoopers coach Ogoh Odaudu said he is proud of his team inspite of the loss to Pillars.
“Generally I think my boys did very well but experience started to count for Pillars in the second half and they wore us down quickly from the third quarter,”Odaudu explained.
He further added that, “We are going to do a lot of work in all aspects of our game ahead of our semifinal game against Customs today. I am hopeful we will have a good game and hopefully get a continental spot back to Port Harcourt.”
On his part, Pillars coach Sanni Ahmed was excited with the victory over Hoopers.
“First of all I thank God for the victory and the players have played their hearts out and their morale is high because their allowances, salaries are paid when due. Every support needed is given by the state government and the executive chairman of the Kano sports commission. Also the team have been together for a long time and that’s why the consistency is in the team. “said Ahmed.
Full results
Group A
Plateau Peaks 52-62 Kwara Falcons
Customs 57-51 Niger Potters
Group B
Kano Pillars 83-62 Rivers Hoopers
Gombe Bulls 73-61 Oluyole Warriors
Semifinal pairings
Kano Pillars v Kwara Falcons
Rivers Hoopers v Nigeria Customs
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.