Sports
Heartland Accepts Relegation Verdict
Heartland will no
longer appeal against decision to award a final day match to home team Plateau United, which subsequently relegated them from the Nigeria league for the first time.
Heartland communicated the League Management Company (LMC) their decision to withdraw an earlier rejection of the Summary Jurisdiction Notice issued the club for abandoning a Match Day 38 fixture in Jos against Plateau United.
Plateau United had earlier accepted a Summary Jurisdiction which fined the club One million Naira (N1m) for the unruly conduct of their supporters who three objects into the field of play in violation of Rules B13.18 of the Framework and Rules
The LMC had in the aftermath of the match charged Heartland with breach of Rule B13.26 of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) Framework and Rules which makes it an offence for a club to refuse continuation of play during a match.
Heartland were fined three million Naira (N3m) and forfeiture of the three points and three goals to their opponent, Plateau United. Heartland players had abandoned the match in protest to the match referee’s decision with scores at 1-1.
In their letter dated October 11, Heartland general manager Oscar Keke said the club had reconsidered their position in an October 7, 2016 letter rejecting the charge and decision of the LMC.
“Our earlier letter on the above dated October 7 refers. We have reconsidered our position and hereby submit to the board’s jurisdiction thereof”, said the letter.
The club further apologised for inconveniences their earlier position might have caused the League.
Heartland thus ended the season in 18th position with 36 points and stand relegated to the Nigeria National League (NNL).
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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