Sports
Fed Cup: Rivers Angels Coach Excited Over Semi-Finals Ticket
Technical Adviser of
Rivers Angels FC of Port Harcourt, Edwin Okon, has expressed joy over the progression of his team into the last four of the 2016 Women’s Federation Cup.
Coach Okon made this known on Thursday, in telephone chat with Tidesports in Port Harcourt, after his team’s victory against Sunshine Queens of Akure FC in the quarter-final fixtures of the competition played at Area 3 pitch, Abuja.
“I thank God for qualifying because this was a crucial stage. Last season we were eliminated by confluence Queens at this stage. I had to be on my feet to ensure what happened last season did not repeat itself again”, Okon said.
Rivers Angels defeated FC Robo 3-2 in the round of 32 and walked over capital city Dove FC to back a picket in the quarter-finals of the Federation Cup.
Meanwhile, a late goal from substitute, Cythia Aku ensured Rivers Angels came from a goal down to progress into the semi-finals of the Federation Cup.
In a tensed game played at the Area 3 pitch, the defending champions went in front in the 18th minute via a goal from former Angels player Ifeoma Obi who seemed offside but the assistant referee though otherwise and the goal eventully counted.
The Edwin Okon tutored side came close on few occasions to find an equalizer but their efforts could not beat Sunshine Queens goalkeeper Sandra Chichi who pulled a couple of saves to keep their lead into the half hour mark.
Rivers Angels right back, Ugo Njoku got her side back into it five minutes after the break with a well-taken goal to tie the scores.
With two minutes left in regulation times Cynthia Aku curled in a cross from the left post into the net to send Rivers Angels into the semi finals of the competition.
Earlier, Coach of Sunshine Queens, Wemino Matthew who obviously was not impressed with the loss blamed the match officials for their loss.
“The officiating was not too good, it was bad. The officials gave them 70 per cent advantage over us as if we were playing away match, that’s why we lost the game”, she lamented.
Rivers Angels will be meeting 2013 runners-up Nasarawa Amazons, in the semi-finals game.
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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