Sports
NPFL Title Race: Eguma Urges Rivers Utd To Believe
Rivers United coach,
Stanley Eguma has said his team must believe they can beat fellow title chasers Wikki Tourists in Bauchi this weekend.
Rivers United are top of the NPFL standings with 56 points from 33 matches, while Wikki are fourth on 51 points.
Rivers United have only amassed seven points on their travels all season and have failed to score in their last nine games on the road.
But Eguma said his team must produce a big performance against a powerful Wikki side, who are almost peerless at home.
“I cannot predict the outcome of matches before they are played. I rather work towards (getting a positive result from) the game,” he said.
“I recall that when we got our first away win of the season (against Warri Wolves in Warri on May 8), no one expected it.
“I can’t predict what will happen in Bauchi.
“I agree that Wikki Tourists are a good side, but it is possible that they can fall in Bauchi and that is what we are plotting for.
“We have had a week to prepare for the game and we will go to Bauchi to give a good account of ourselves because we know the importance of that game.
“We know what that game will do for our title ambitions so we are not going there for (tourism).
“The fans should know that Rivers United will be giving their best in that game and who knows, we may be coming back with a win.”
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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