Sports
CAF Champions League: Enugu Assembly Assures Rangers Of Support
The Enugu State House
of Assembly has assured support for Rangers International FC in its Confederation of African Football (CAF) Champions League campaign.
The Chairman of the House Committee on Sports, Hon. Nelson Udichi, gave the assurance in an interview with newsmen in Enugu.
Udichi said the support would come by way of funding for the club, which broke its 32-year-old title drought by winning the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) in 2016.
He noted that the committee was proud of the team and its feat in this year’s NPFL.
The chairman said that the expectation of the assembly was for the Flying Antelope to build on its successes in the next football season.
“The Enugu State House of Assembly is indeed, proud of the present crop of Rangers players, management and board for the feat they achieved this season by winning the NPFL league trophy.
“We, in the house committee on sports are optimistic that Rangers will improve on the already achieved success in the current season, especially in the 2016/2017 football season.
“I have assured the management of the club of the assembly’s support and assistance in terms of funding for its CAF campaign.
“We know that they need all the support and encouragement to do the nation proud at the continental level,” he said.
Rangers FC will be representing Nigeria at the 2016/2017 CAF Champions League and defending its 2015/2016 NPFL title as well as participating in the 2016/2017 Federation.
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.