Sports
2018/2019 NPFL: ‘Rangers Must Beat Niger Tornadoes’
The Team Manager of Rangers International Football Club of Enugu, Amobi Ezeaku, yesterday said the club must continue to have the bragging rights over Niger Tornadoes FC of Minna.
Ezeaku told newsmen in Enugu that the club was battle ready to maintain their superiority over Niger Tornadoes in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).
He said they would do this to also make up for lost grounds after losing against the MFM FC of Lagos.
Tidesports source reports that Rangers will host Niger Tornadoes on Today in Enugu.
The game is a rescheduled match for Rangers as a result of their ongoing campaign in the CAF Confederation Cup.
Ezeaku said Rangers have always been beating Niger Tornadoes, especially since 2016 in Enugu.
“We have been beating them in Enugu and getting draws at away against them. We did it in 2016 when we won the league and repeated it last season.
“This year we are taking them serious to ensure we keep having the upper hand and maintain the bragging rights over them.
“We are aware the match will not come easy for Rangers, but our players are working to ensure victory on Wednesday and all hands are on desk.
“We will not only win to make ourselves happy and proud, but to make the state and our supporters generally happy with entertaining football,’’ he said.
Speaking on the club’s performance so far in the 2018/2019 NPFL, the team manager expressed delight with the win over rivals Enyimba International FC of Aba.
“It was a great display by the players and we give God all the glory, because `Oriental derbies’ are always tough.
“Even though we fielded new players in the game, but we were able to come out victorious and in the league so far a draw and a win is not too bad.
“Michael Uchebo, Bobby Clement, Saka Paschal and a couple of others are good players and the new players gave their all in the two matches played in the league.
“I believe the club’s Technical Adviser and the General Manager saw something unique in these new players, and this made them to incorporate them into the team’s fold.’’
He pointed out that the club has been doing well in matches, especially on the continent where they have been unbeaten.
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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