Sports
Rivers Skipper Disagrees With Afelokhai Over Position
The captain of Rivers United FC of Port Harcourt, Austin Festus, has disagreed with Enyimba’s goal keeper, Theophlilus Afelokhai that said United should accept the third place given to them in good faith.
He stated that United would have won the League if not the unplanned stoppage of the League caused by the novel Coronavirus (covid-19), with 13 matches left.
Following the impromptu stoppage of Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) occasioned by the Coronavirus pandemic, the football authorities used Points Per Game (PPG) formula to position teams.
Before the unplanned stoppage, United was on second position with 45 points, 13 matches to go, while Enyimba of Aba, was on fifth position with 39 points, with five outstanding games.
Festus, said this in a telephone interview with Tidesports, yesterday, saying that United placed behind Enyimba is grossly unfair to his club.
He appeals to Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and League Management Company (LMC) to correct the mistake and put the club on its appropriate position.
According to him, his club has the potentials to perform credibly and make the people of Rivers state proud, adding that is the only way to reward the State government led by governor, Chief Nyesom Wike.
“The rules of LMC are clear, there is nothing like taking it in good faith. I am appealing to the authorities to give us our rightful second position, am very optimistic that my club has what it takes to perform better in the CAF Champions League,” Festus said.
By: Tonye Orabere
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.