Sports
Insurance Plays Goalless Against Tornadoes In Benin
Visiting Niger Tornadoes held Bendel Insurance to a goalless draw at the UNIBEN Sports Complex in Benin City in a Match day 17 tie at the weekend.
In a largely uninspiring first half, both teams found it really difficult to break the ice.
However, Tornadoes got the first chance of the game 12 minutes in when Sadick Abass found his way into the box, but his pass was quickly cleared out by the Insurance back line.
The visitors were forced into an early change in the 23rd minute when Hassan Saba replaced injured defender Jibrin Mustapha. Two minutes later, Tornadoes were all over their hosts. Mubarak Said dribbled his way into the Insurance box, but he was swiftly dispossessed by Daniel Johnson.
Fourteen minutes to the end of the first half, Insurance forward Imade Osarenkhoe nicked the ball off a Tornadoes defender but his pass into the box was cleared out for a corner.
Tornadoes goalkeeper Mustapha Aliko was called into action in the 39th minute, saving from Imade Osarenkhoe who outmuscled Olayinka Yusuf off the ball. Yusuf would later go into the referee’s book for time wasting two minutes later.
Insurance started the second half with an early change as Michael Enaruna replaced an ineffective Abraham Ovwiomodiohwo just after Aliko had kept out Benjamin Tanimu’s cross.
With both teams searching for a goal to break the deadlock, Moses Ugwu arguably the brightest in the Tornadoes line-up, tried his luck from long range, but his shot went just wide off the post, much to the relief of fans present at the UNIBEN Sports Complex.
In the 70th minute, the home side got a free kick at the edge of the box, but substitute Michael Enaruna sent his effort inches over the bar, to the dismay of spectators.
The game gathered momentum in the last 15 minutes with the home side all over the Ikon Allah boys. The visitors however did well to clear their lines as they held on to an all-important draw in Benin.
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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