Sports
CAF Champions League: Coach Wants Standard Floodlights At Enyimba Stadium
Coach, Enyimba International FC of Aba Usman Abd’Allah, has called on the Abia State Government to give the Enyimba Stadium standard floodlights to attract more international games to the arena.
Abd’Allah made the appeal in an interview with newmen on Wednesday in Aba.
The coach said the African Football Confederation’s (CAF) concession to have Enyimba’s match with Al Hilal of Sudan in the group stage of the CAF Champions League played in Aba was an “exceptional approval”.
“The closed door match we played with Rahimo of Burkina Faso was because we do not have standard floodlights.
“The main issue is getting standard floodlights and the second issue is the security at the stadium.
“They (CAF) are worried about the security situation of the Enyimba Stadium,” he said, noting that the environment for the match could be cleared some hours to the match but the floodlights, we have to get them.
“Those are the main issues CAF is complaining about but out of the two, the most crucial is the floodlights.
“I know the state government has been trying for us but we want it to do more and give us standard floodlights at the stadium.”
Tidesports source gathered that last year, CARA Brazzaville of Congo complained about the floodlights at the stadium during a CAF Confederation Cup game at the venue.
Enyimba, the Nigerian champions were made to play their CAF Champions League preliminary round tie with Rahimo behind closed doors because of concerns over stadium status and security.
African football’s governing body said the stadium, which was re-opened last year after three years of major renovations, still lacked standard floodlights, CCTV cameras and an electronic scoreboard.
CAF is due to conduct another inspection of the stadium on a yet-be- disclosed date before the match.
Enyimba will host the Sudanese side in Aba on Sunday after which they will play the deciding leg two weeks later in Omdurman, the second largest city of Sudan in Khartoum State.
On their preparations for the match, Abd’Allah said: “We are preparing very well for this match and the boys are doing very well.
“What is more important is for us to qualify for the group stage and we hope to get a very good result here before we go over there.
“We are focusing on taking the team through the group stage first.”
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.
-
News5 days agoDon Savours Inaugural Lecture Presentation, Commends VC
-
News17 hours agoPolice Arrest Nigerian, Two Others For Kidnapping In Edo
-
Business7 hours agoNigeria, AFC sign $1.3 billion deal to build alumina refinery
-
Nation18 hours agoPerm Sec Explains Success Of FGM Elimination Programme In Rivers
-
News17 hours agoNDLEA Arrests Ex-Councillor With 40kg Skunk, Recovers Drugs In Diapers
-
Rivers6 hours agoLGSC Boss Commits To Better Service Delivery
-
Rivers6 hours agoKENPOLY Rector Promises To Prioritise Students’ Welfare
-
Rivers6 hours agoADIAFRICA Flags-off Free Eye Screening Outreach In PH