Sports
Rivers Utd, Enyimba Claim Victories In PH
Rivers United FC of
Port Harcourt yesterday boosted their chances of effectively contesting for the spoils of 2016 Nigeria professional football league, NPFL, season after beating Shooting Stars Sports Club, 3SC in a week 27 encounter at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium, Port Harcourt.
It was the second game of a double header at the venue, where seven time champions, Enyimba International FC had edged four time winners and close rivals, Kano Pillars FC 2-1.
In an epic encounter that lived up to its classic billing, Enyimba and Pillars had thrilled spectators at the stadium with quality football that proved a good advertisement for the domestic league.
Enyimba had shot into the lead in the 10th minute of the game through Ifeanyi Anaemena only for Pillars to draw level barely 60 seconds later.
It became even exchanges local with exciting exchange of passes and pressure by both sides until the 73rd minute when Enyimba earned and converted a penalty kick to claim all the points at stake. They have now moved into fourth place on40 points with two games in hand.
For Rivers United, they had the privilege of being cheered by their number one supporter Chief Nyesom Wike, Executive Governor of Rivers State and most members of the state executive council for the first time their season.
As if motivated by the Governors presence, United moved in for the kill right from the blast of the whistle and was able to score two quick goals to go into recess on a comfortable note.
In the second half, a combination of near-misses and improved defending by 3Sc restricted them to half chances as they failed to add to their tally.
With the victory, Rivers United shot to the second position on the log with 44 points, two shy of leaders, Rangers International of Enugu.
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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