Sports
2017 Champions League: Rangers, Supporter To Give Players N1m
A team supporter, Charles Ugwu, has promised to give players of Rangers International Football Club N1 million for each goal scored against hosts J.S. Saoura of Algeria on Friday.
Ugwu announced the incentive yesterday in Enugu while addressing the team’s players and officials before their departure to Algiers for the 2017 CAF Champions League first round first leg match.
The supporter, who is the traditional ruler of Igugu community in Udenu Local Government Area of Enugu State, said he expected a resounding victory for the Enugu-based Flying Antelopes.
He said such a promise was one of the ways to get the best out of the players.
“I recall that when you were in a good position to win the 2015/2016 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) title, I made a similar promise and you did not disappoint.
“Though I was not around then, but I redeemed my pledge, and it is my privilege to now savour the sweetness of that victory with you.
“I am making a similar promise now. For every goal you score in Algeria, I will give N1 million,” Ugwu said.
He said while the club seemed to be presently finding it difficult in the current NPFL season, the club’s fans were still sure they would rise to the occasion in Algiers.
“You may not understand what you did for your supporters by winning the league last season. Rangers FC is much more than a club. It is a way of life for us.’’
Ugwu said Algeria was not a strange land for Christian Chukwu, who is at the head of the delegation as the team’s General Manager.
He said Chukwu, who is a former Super Eagles coach, was familiar with the terrain and would guide the team well.
“You don’t have any option than to do well in Algeria because we want to see you on top,” the club supporter said.
Ugwu said the team’s fans and supporters were galvanising support for the club, the type no clubside in the country had ever experienced.
“But I must add that the players need to play their part by doing well in matches,’’ he said.
It would be recalled that Rangers International FC will play in the CAF Champions League for the first time in 32 years.
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.
-
Business5 days agoNCDMB Signs Mgt Deal With Radisson, Edison…As Board’s 204 Rooms Hotel Open December 2026
-
Business5 days agoNERC Amends Order on Meter Tampering, Power Bypass For Discos
-
Business5 days agoNigeria, AFC sign $1.3 billion deal to build alumina refinery
-
Rivers5 days agoKENPOLY Rector Promises To Prioritise Students’ Welfare
-
Business5 days agoFG engages foreign investors at PEBEC Roundtable on business environment reforms
-
Sports5 days agoYenagoa City Set For Maiden 10km Marathon
-
Sports5 days agoInter House Sports Is Where Talents Are Discovered -Rear Admiral Okehie
-
Rivers5 days agoDon, Stakeholders Urge Environmental Laws In N’Delta