Sports
Rangers Unveil 18 New Players For 2017/2018 Season
Rangers International Football Club of Enugu yesterday unveiled 18 new players they have signed on for the 2017/2018 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) season.
The players include former Abia Warriors striker Godwin Zaki, Isaac Loute from FC IfeanyiUbah, former Rivers United goalkeeper Femi Thomas and SuperSand Eagles player Abu Azeez. The club’s General Manager, Davison Owumi, told newsmen at the unveiling ceremony in Enugu that unveiling new signings before the league commences will now be a new culture in the club.
“We unveiled 18 players today and it is now a new philosophy and culture in Rangers, to unveil our new sign-ons before the commencement of the season.
“Apart from the 35 players that will be registered for the season, we have also assembled very talented under-18 players.
“The idea is to incorporate the very talented youths around the Enugu environment into the team,” he said.
Owumi also said the club would soon unveil their major merchandise sponsors.
“We want to produce Rangers jerseys and caps which our fans can purchase as part of their support for the club.
“Also, we are working on the possibilities of people purchasing their tickets online. Fans can even buy their tickets for the season for the whole year,” he said.
Meanwhile, the club’s Technical Adviser, Olugbenga Ogunbote, said he was sure of the capabilities of the players.
“I am happy with all the players I have. With them, I believe that we are going to do well this season,’’he said.
Speaking at the ceremony, Azeez said playing for Rangers would not put him under pressure, but rather motivate him to do well. “I am not under any pressure. It is a club I have always dreamt of playing for, and all I need to do is to intensify my training and work hard.
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.