Sports
Chelsea Signs 16 Year Rivers Indigene
Chelsea Football Club has signed a 16-years-old Norway-born Nigerian from Okrika, Rivers State, Bryant Fiabama.
Speaking with the father of Fiabama, Dr Mina Fiabama in an exclusive interview with Tidesports, last Saturday, he said his son started playing football at the age seven, with a local club in Kroken in Norway.
He stated that his son( Fiabama) was sponsored by a man who is passionate about football, saying that he was under the tutelage of the man until he turned 14 years.
According to him, he was confident that his son will make it through football, because he has the talent.
“ I am delighted that Chelsea signed my son Bryant I knew he would one day play for one of the biggest clubs in the world but did not expect it soon,” Dr Fiabama said.
He explained that when Chelsea invited him for trials in December 2019, I was confident because he has the potentials to pass it.
“ When Chelsea invited him to come for trials in December last year, I was confident that he will make it because he has the quality and talent.
I told him to go and have fun, no anxieties, but just be yourself throughout the two weeks” he explained.
Dr Fiabama equally said that his expectations from his son is to become one of the best strikers in the world.
However, he advised his son to be discipline to achieve his goals in life, saying that humility and discipline are the keys to success.
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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