Sports
Ogu Monarch Peace Cup Kicks Off
It was exciting and thrilling as the Amanyanabo of Ogu Kingdom, HRM Nicholas D.I Nimenibo, Loko IX, Peace Football Cup Competition kicked off last Saturday with the five major Groups of Houses and Torukongo Communities participating.
The ceremony took place at the Ogu Mini Stadium (St. Martins School Field), Ogu, with an opening match between Loko Group of Houses and Torukongo Communities which ended 1 – 1 at regulation time.
Ose Crownwell of Loko Group of Houses scored the first goal in the 22nd minute of the game while Lucky Dike equalized for Torukongo in the second half of the match. Both teams exhibited skilled football and missed scoring chances until the final blast of the referee, Samuel Akpana’s final whistle at full time.
Speaking with Tidesports after the encounter, the sponsor and Amanyanabo of Ogu Kingdom in Ogu/Bolo Local Government Area, HRM Nimenibo, Loko IX said the competition was to encourage the youths to maintain the existing peace in the community as well as engage them positively rather than indulging in social vices that are inimical to the society.
The King opined that there are budding talents abound in the kingdom and moreso, football had become a source of livelihood for many families.
The first class Ogu monarch who enjoined the players to be disciplined and play the game in the spirit of good sportsmanship charged them to showcase their talents as the best player, best behaved team and the highest goal scorer will be given awards at the grand finale.
The king also disclosed that the winner of the competition, the runners-up and the third place team will cart home mouth watering prices, promising that it will be an annual event.
The five major Groups of Houses participating in the competition include Loko Group of Houses, Kuru Kuru Group, Omodara Group, Offiomani Group, Ama Group of Houses and Torukongo Communities.
The closing ceremony has been fixed for Sunday 28
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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