Sports
NPFL: Plateau Utd Confident Of Beating Kano Pillars
Plateau United FC of Jos has assured supporters of victory in its Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) week four encounter with Kano Pillars FC in Kaduna.
General Manager of the Club, Mr Pius Hawen while speaking to newsmen yesterday in Jos, said that the team had made adequate preparation towards the forthcoming match.
Hawen, who commended the team for the good performance last Sunday, where it trashed Heartland FC of Owerri 3-0 in the week three of NPLF, urged them to use the new form to win against Kano pillars.
The GM said, with the return of some of the players, the Lalong Boys have bounced back and would retain the position as the champions.
“I am so pleased with the performance of the team last weekend and want to assure our fans that we shall maintain the tempo in our subsequent matches.
With the return of the team’s regular players such Oche Ochowechi, Isah Ndala, Andrew Ikefe, Abba Umar and Mike Zaruma, Kano Pillars will be in for a big trouble contending with us, particularly that our strength lies in the midfield where they dictate the game.
“Also, with the team’s captain and talisman, Rabiu Ali, still anchoring the midfield for the Masu Gida, the experienced player has the capacity to influence any match with defence split passes to his forward to do the damage, no team can afford to take him for granted.
“So, by the special grace of God, we will come back victorious against Kano Pillars,” he said
He, however, admitted that Kano Pillars is also a tough team as their experience and pedigree in the NPFL makes them a hard team and called on his players to brace up.
Tidesports source gathered that the match between Plateau United and Kano Pillars would be decided at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium, Kaduna.
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.