Sports
We Will Restructure Rivers United FC – Commissioner
Rivers State Commissioner for Sports, Hon. Boma Iyaye has said that Rivers United FC will be restructured before the commencement of 2017/2018 football season for higher productivity.
He expressed sadness over the team’s abysmal performance last season, adding that the players performed below standard.
Hon. Iyaye said this when the management and technical crew of the club paid him a courtesy visit in his office last Wednesday in Port Harcourt.
According to him, henceforth, recruitment of players, sales and transfers will be handled by the management of the team only.
“I never anticipated Rivers United would perform so poorly. I did all what I could to make Rivers United a “brand”, besides, government had spent so much resources to ensure that the team was rated among the best, but we were disappointed.
As we survived relegation last season, there will be structural adjustment to move the team forward come next season,” Hon. Iyaye said.
Speaking, the General Manager of the club, Okey Kpaluku apologised for the team’s unimpressive performance, but promised to do better next season.
He pleaded with the commissioner to continue his support, saying that his wealth of experience was needed.
Also speaking, the Technical Adviser of the team, Stanley Eguma appealed to the commissioner to give them another opportunity to make amends.
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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