Sports
NNPC/Shell Cup: Hensen Boys Clinch 4 – O Victory
Goal-hungry boys from Hensen Secondary School of Benin City, Edo State, booked the first slot in the finals of the ongoing 19th edition of the NNPC/Shell Cup with a 4-0 defeat of their counterparts from Government Day Secondary School, Lamisula, Borno State.
In the first semi-final match played on Sunday at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, Lagos, Ernest Ojeken opened the goal line in the 13th minute of play with the second goal coming barely five minutes after from Arase Iyober who made a good conversion of a corner kick. The first half of the match ended 3 goals to nil in favour of the Hensen boys with the third goal coming from Isaac Justice in the 23rd minute.
The Government College boys made frantic efforts and goal attempts to reduce the margin in the second half but missed every opportunity they had. The victory for the Hensen boys was sealed when Ernest recorded his second goal in the 78th minute of play to close the match at 4:0.
The match was watched by coaching crew from the youth academy of the Dutch League Champions, Rotterdam Football Club, the Netherlands; the Director and Principal, Federal Science and Technical College, Yaba, Rev. Chris Ugorji, who represented the Minister of Education; Professor Richard Follet from the University of Sussex, UK and leadership of The Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC).
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.
-
News5 days agoDon Savours Inaugural Lecture Presentation, Commends VC
-
News20 hours agoPolice Arrest Nigerian, Two Others For Kidnapping In Edo
-
Business10 hours agoNigeria, AFC sign $1.3 billion deal to build alumina refinery
-
Nation22 hours agoPerm Sec Explains Success Of FGM Elimination Programme In Rivers
-
News20 hours agoNDLEA Arrests Ex-Councillor With 40kg Skunk, Recovers Drugs In Diapers
-
Rivers9 hours agoKENPOLY Rector Promises To Prioritise Students’ Welfare
-
Rivers10 hours agoLGSC Boss Commits To Better Service Delivery
-
Rivers9 hours agoADIAFRICA Flags-off Free Eye Screening Outreach In PH