Sports
Kano Wins YSFON Football Competition
Kano State’s under-16 boys football team at the weekend in Kano won the 2017 edition of the Ramat Cup competition organised by the Youth Sports Federation of Nigeria (YSFON).
They beat their Kogi counterparts 2-0 in the final match played at the Sani Abacha Stadium, to win the 35th edition of the annual championship.ý
Auwal Usman scored the match’s first goal in the 18th minute from a penalty kick, before doubling the lead in the second half.
The two goals took his competition tally to 11 goals to ensure he won the Highest Goal Scorer award, in addition to the Most Valuable Player award.
In his address during the closing ceremony, Gov. Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State commended YSFON for its consistency in organising the annual tournament.
Ganduje, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Usman Alhaji, commended all the teams which took part for their maturity and discipline.
“I wish to restate the Kano state government’s commitment to developing grassroots sports in the state,’’ the governor said.
Tidesports gathered that both finalists in the tournament will represent Nigeria at an upcoming international youth football championship in Europe.
The tournament was initiated in honour of a late Head of State, Gen. Murtala Muhammed, and it has over the years produced talents who went on to represent Nigeria.
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.