Sports
NWPL Super 4: Rivers Angels Indicate Open Mind For Emerging Champions
Head Coach of Rivers Angels FC of Port Harcourt, Edwin Okon, has said that his side will be indifferent to who wins the upcoming 2019 Nigeria Women Premier League (NWPL) Super 4.
Okon disclosed this yesterday during a telephone chat with Tidesports in Port Harcourt.
According to him, the NWPL Super 4 is a game of interest and noted that the successful challenge to its earlier frightening dominance in the past two seasons by Nasarawa Amazons and Bayelsa Queens had greatly redefined the elite competition.
“We cannot be champions forever and it’s nice that a different club has tasted the top prize in the past two seasons. The recent change in taste and redistribution of champions are quite healthy for the league.
“NWPL Super 4 is usually a game of interest and the interest goes a long way to determine where the pendulum swings.
“On our part we will continue to fight for the coveted trophy and other trophies in the land.
“We are doing our home work well to ensure we put up good performance in Lagos hoping that mother luck will smile at us.
“All the four teams are capable of winning the cup at the end of the day, at least, they have already proven their worth by emerging winners in their respective groups,” Okon said.
The most decorated side in the domestic front recorded the most points among its Super 4 challengers, Adamawa Queens, Bayelsa Queens and Confluence Queens during the regular season.
NWPL Super 4 field action will commence today among the four teams, while the third place and final matches will hold on Sunday at the ‘Soccer Temple,’ Agege Stadium.
“The NWPL Super 4 competition will hold among the four top teams Confluence Queens, Bayelsa Queens, Adamawa Queens and Rivers Angels FC.
It would be recalled that the jewels of Rivers topped Group A with 13 points ahead other challengers, FC Robot Queens, Delta Queens and Osun Babes.
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.