Sports
‘We Played More Than An Hour In Second Half’
Chief Coach, Crown FC of Ogbomosho, Oyo State, Oladuni Oyekale, has attributed the one all draw against Bayelsa United to extension of regulation time more than 15 minutes.
The visitors forced the host, Bayelsa United, to one all draw at Nembe City Stadium, last Sunday; Crown FC first saw the net before United leveled
The encounter was one of the Nigeria National League (NNL) Week 26 games played at different centers across the nation.
Oyakale said this in an exclusive interview with Tidesports shortly after the game in Nembe, saying that his players actually worked hard to run away with point in the hands of promotion hopefuls.
“I give all glory to God. The game was a tough one. No doubt Bayelsa United is one of the contenders to gain promotion to premiership, behind Heartland FC.
“Besides, they also shared points with Delta Force, last week,” Oyekale said.
The coach expressed sadness that the referee over-stretched the game to more than an hour in the second half.
“For me I think the equalizer was an offside goal, but I am not the referee, and his opinion was different, besides, they have the final say in the pitch.
But my annoyance is that we played over time in the second half, we played more than one hour. Honestly, that is not good for the game. It is very bad,” he stated.
He further said that his club is equally hopeful to gain promotion, saying that all hope is not lost.
Tonye Orabere
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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