Sports
Hoopers Fall To Falcons
Rivers Hoopers were beaten 57-68 points by eventual Conference Champions Kwara Falcons last Sunday, in Ilorin.
Solomon Ajegebyi made 17 points and 6 rebounds in a game that recorded individual errors that would have made a great difference for the KingsMen.
Ajegbeyi was the biggest culprit missing back to back layups in the fourth quarter with two minutes left on the clock. Hoopers would have reduced the 7 points deficit (55-62) if these baskets had been made.
The kingsMen were outrebounded by Falcons (35-49) and made 6/12 of their free throws and 3 of 24 from the arc.
Godwin David who continued his impressive form like in previous games, contributed 21 points and 7 rebounds while Mojuba Oyeleye added 10 points for Kwara Falcons.
After the game, Rivers Hoopers described the loss as a “painful one”.
“It’s painful but it’s more painful because it’s not a game we should have lost. Even if we had lost, not by this margin because it’s a game we should have won due to some factors. Those factors stepped in and destabilized the team,” said Odaudu.
On his part, Kwara Falcons coach, Adewunmi Aderemi, attributed their win to luck on his side.
“We thank God for the victory, we played against a good team and we were lucky to run away with the victory. We will go back and make corrections on the mistakes we made in the Conference six playoffs,” said Aderemi.
For the final eight groupings, Kano Pillars, Rivers Hoopers, Nigeria Customs and Gombe Bulls have been paired in Group A while Group B has Kwara Falcons, Niger Potters, Hoops & Read and Plateau Peaks.
The final eight will take place in Kano between September 4 and 9.
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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