Sports
Enyimba Secures Away Point In Kwara
Enyimba weathered an injury tsunami in Ilorin to claim a deserved point, drawing 1-1 against Kwara United.
The People’s Elephant might, in fact, have claimed all three, in a tempestuous, end-to-end encounter that saw two brilliant late chances spurned.
With Isiaka Oladuntoye serving the first of a three-match ban, there was an all-new defensive pairing for Enyimba, with Uche John and Ernest Governor holding the fort at the back. Ikechukwu Ibenegbu returned to the starting lineup for the first time since Rangers away.
A blistering start saw two-time African champions denied an early penalty for a tug on the goalbound Ibrahim Mustapha, before Governor got a whack in the shins for his trouble inside the area following an Oladapo free kick. This time, the referee pointed to the spot and the returning Ibenegbu sent Kwara goalkeeper Godwin Ayalogu the wrong way to open the scoring.
Then followed the enforced overhauling of the forward line, with both Mustapha and Stephen Chukwude forced off inside three minutes in the blazing heat. Not however before substitute Freedom Omofomean danced into the box, only to be hauled back and see his incredulity greeted by indifference from the referee.
The hosts belatedly came into the game as the half wore on: Stephen Alfred tested Ikechukwu Ezenwa from range and Michael Ohanu stole in at the back post to head over. Their best chance, though, fell to Godwin Emeka, whose effort from inside the box drew a fine fingertip save from the Nigeria international.
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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