Sports
B’Ball: Hoopers Coach Applauds RSG
Rivers Hoopers head Coach Ogoh Odaudu has commended the Rivers State government for the efforts put together in ensuring the team had a successful season.
Unpaid salaries, allowances and poor motivation were the bane of the basketball team which got relegated at the end of the 2013/2014 DSTV Basketball League. At some point, the team could no longer honour their away games while on certain occasions, only few members of the team could attend.
Indeed, the just concluded season is one to reckon with in terms of better funding of the club by the sponsors which all started with rebranding the name of the team from Royal Hoopers to Rivers Hoopers, a way of giving the team a sense of belonging.
In appreciation of the aforementioned, Odaudu who has been in charge of the team since 2010 during which he has won two titles for the club (in 2011 and 2012) said support from the government was a huge factor to their success this season.
“For the first time in a lot of years we received monthly salaries, we get match bonuses which were (paid) on time , win or lose , enough money is given for feeding , and we don’t cramp ourselves in one bus like it was before rather, we take two buses and everybody stretch their legs and its comfortable,” a grateful Odaudu explained.
The Port Harcourt side beat all odds to get to the semifinals and finished third after beating Kwara Falcons 59-57 in a dramatic game in Lagos.
The former Lagos Islanders coach believes more could be done to support their quest for the title next season.
“The Rivers state government have done a fantastic job with Rivers Hoopers. It’s not enough but they can still do better.
He further added that having their own team bus would play a vital role for them.
“I would love a coaster bus and if the state government or any kind individual comes to our aide, we wouldn’t mind having the person’s name boldly written on the bus. “Odaudu submitted.
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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