Sports
Rivers United’s Coach Promises To Reposition Team
Rivers United head coach, Stanley Eguma has stated that the club will do everything possible to bounce back in the coming season after their below par outing in the Nigeria Professional Football League last season.
Eguma oversaw a disappointing campaign as the Pride of Rivers ended the campaign in 15th spot with 52 points from 38 games.
And the coach says the club is undergoing reorganisation for effectiveness.
“A lot happened last season but we still have to thank God that we are still alive and we can make corrections. We are going to make lots of changes to the team and it was the reason we delayed our resumption till now,” Eguma told Tidesports source.
“We have listed the players we are going to be in need of next season and training will start on Monday. We are doing everything to ensure that we have a team that will delight the hearts of Rivers State people again.
“Rivers United passed through a lot of turbulence last season but we have come out of it better and more experienced to deal with it. It was a season we won’t like to talk about and it is our responsibilities to ensure that we turn it around next season,” he concluded.
Rivers United has retained only 21 players from those with the team last season ahead of the resumption for preparations for the new Nigeria Professional Football League on Monday.
In a release from the club’s media department, the Pride of Rivers skipper, Festus Austine and long serving goalkeeper, Sunday Rotimi topped the list of players who were retained by the club management while recuperating goaltender, Abiodun Akande also survived the chop.
Bernard Ovoke, Gabriel Olalekan, Semiu Liadi, Frederick Obomate, Christian Weli, Emeka Ogbugh, Bolaji Sakin, Guy Kuemian, Ayobami Asekunowo, Emeka Atuloma and Zoumana Doumbia are also among the list of retained players while Ifeanyi Nweke, Aliasou Sanou, Markson Ojobo, Abdoulaye Kanoute will also remain with the Port Harcourt based side.
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.