Sports
Kwara Super League Semi-Finals Get Date
The semi-final matches of this year’s Kwara State Football Association (FA) organised Super League will hold on Monday next week at the Main-Bowl of the State Stadium Complex, Ilorin.
The Secretary of the Kwara FA, Kehinde Jimoh, made the disclosure to newsmen in Ilorin yesterday.
He said that Offa United will take on Elegbede FC also of Offa in the first semi-final by 2.00 p.m., while Debby FC takes on BSC by 4.00 p.m. at the same venue.
The Tidesports source reports that 24 teams across the state entered for the preliminary rounds of the amateur league with matches played in round robin format in four groups.
Offa United qualified from Group A, which has Invincible FC of Ilorin, Stallions FC, Ilorin, Police Machine, Ilorin, United Academy, Ilorin and Gasa.
Their semi-final opponents, Elegbede FC emerged from Group C, where we also have teams like Atletico FC of Bode-Saadu, All Stars of Lafiagi, Future Stars, Ilorin, Supreme FC and Daniel Stars.
Debby came ahead of Dynamic FC, Yulvic Mikeh Football Academy, JK FC of Offa, Socrates and Waziri FC in Group B, to set up a semi-final clash with BSC, which qualified from Group D.
Other teams in Group D are J.U. FC, Ilorin, Moje Queens of Erin-Ile, Muri Babes, Ilorin, Petvic FC, Ilorin Big Stars FC of Iponrin and Offa Rangers.
The final of the competition, according to the Kwara FA secretary, will hold on March 3.
He said the Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, Mr Kale Ayo, is expected to be the Special Guest of Honour at the final match.
Jimoh explained that the Chairman of the State FA, Malam Busari Ishola, commended all the teams for their sportsmanship.
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.