Sports
LMC Announces Dates For Rescheduled NPFL Fixtures
The League Management Company (LMC), yesterday announced new dates for the rescheduled games of Nigeria Professional League (NPFL) for clubs participating in the CAF Club competitions.
The company’s Media Officer, Harry Iwuala, said in a statement in Lagos that new dates had been scheduled for the postponed fixtures of Match Day 8 and Match Day 9.
The statement said the matches involved clubs participating in the CAF Clubs competitions, the CAF Champions League and CAF Confederations Cup as a consequence of their concluded first round ties.
“The LMC also announced the postponement of Match Day 13 and Match Day 14 fixtures involving Rangers International and Rivers United, the two clubs that made it through to the second round of the CAF Champions League,’’ it said.
According to the new schedule, the fixture of Match Day 8 between Kano Pillars and Wikki Tourists and that between FC IfeanyiUbah and Remo Stars will now hold on March 8.
It also said that the fixture between MFM and Rivers United and that of 3SC of Ibadan and Rangers International would hold on March 22.
“Other rescheduled fixtures are those of Match Day 9 between Wikki Tourists and Lagos-based MFM and that between Enyimba International of Aba and FC IfeanyiUbah which will hold on March 15.
“The other fixtures between Rivers United and ABS FC of Ilorin, and that between Rangers International and Kano Pillars are fixed for March 22,’’ the statement said.
The LMC said that a notice has been sent to the clubs by the Chief Operating Officer, Salihu Abubakar, in respect of the changes.
The statement indicated that all Match Day 13 and Match Day 14 fixtures involving Rangers International and Rivers United had been postponed to dates that would be announced later.
“On Match Day 13 which holds on March 12, Rivers United is to play away to Katsina United, while Rangers International is to host Wikki Tourists.
“Match Day 14 fixtures scheduled for March 19 features Rangers International away to Sunshine Stars and Rivers United at home to Remo Stars.
“The respective fixtures have now been put on hold as Rangers International and Rivers United have been drawn to play their CAF Champions League second round matches during the weekends of March 12 and March 19,’’ the statement said.
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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