Sports
NNL: ABS Beats Aklosendi In Ilorin
Abubakar Bukola Saraki (ABS) Ilorin FC came from a goal down to beat visiting Aklosendi International of Lafia 2-1 on Saturday in Ilorin.
The Tidesports source reports that the match day 6 2018/2019 abridged Nigeria National League (NNL) encounter was played at the Kwara Stadium Complex, Ilorin on Saturday.
The visitors started the game brightly and were rewarded for it in the third minute when Ismaila Bello’s curling shot deflected into ABS net.
ABS pushed for the equaliser through the right flank as Chigozirim Metu had five crosses in eight minutes into the Aklosendi box with Alao Danbani nodding wide on two occasions while Joseph Jatau dealt with the remaining.
However, Danbani who was always tormenting the Aklosendi defence put up a fine display in the 20th minute to level the scores.
The lanky attacker was freed by Charles Eguavon before he dribbled no fewer than three Aklosendi defenders and stretched Jatau to his right but the ball was faster than the goalkeeper.
Danbani again called Jatau into action in the 24th minute when Eguavon released him but the goalkeeper responded well and parried the striker’s shot to corner.
ABS’s push for another goal was always punctuated by a resilient Aklosendi defence with Danbani and Eguavon asking questions most time with their perfect combination.
The Captain of ABS, Ebuka Anaekwe who showed his experience, led the hosts well and almost double their lead in the 43rd minute when he used his pace and dribbling skills to beat the Aklosendi defenders but Jatau again reacted well to concede a corner.
Danbani again asked Jatau question and the Aklosendi goalkeeper responded with a big save.
Six minutes into the restart, Charles Eguavon double the lead for the hosts when he finished off Danbani’s rebound shot.
ABS dominated proceedings afterwards but the visitors gave a good fight but not enough to get anything from the match.
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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