Sports
Edo To Support Education Of Insurance FC Feeder Team’s Players
Edo State Government will always support the aspirations of young footballers in the state, especially in the area of their education, the state’s Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu, said yesterday in Benin.
Shaibu, who said this when he received the Bendel Insurance FC Feeder Team, said an example of this was the reward of scholarship awards to members of the state’s under-17 football team.
The Under-17 team had emerged winners of the 2020 Stephen Keshi National Under-17 Football Championship held in Benin.
Shaibu, who charged the Insurance FC Feeder Team players to remain focused and disciplined, said the state government would grant scholarship award to any of them ready to realise their academic dreams.
“The state under-17 players are worthy ambassadors who have brought honour to their parents and the state. So, the reward is rewarding, and we are ready to do this for others too,” he said.
The deputy governor expressed satisfaction that the Insurance FC project which started with the club’s rebranding by the present administration a few years ago, saying it had started yielding dividends.
“I am happy that we have started seeing results from the sports rebranding, including that of Insurance FC, which we embarked upon just a few years ago.
“I am confident that within four years from now, the main Insurance FC would be populated by home-grown football stars.
“I see this team as the real future of Bendel Insurance FC and I am proud of you.
“We will discuss how to assist you to combine education with football because we care about your future,” he said.
Head coach of the victorious team, Osazee Stanley, thanked Shaibu and the Insurance FC management for giving him the opportunity to serve.
“We give thanks to God for the victory and we remain grateful to the deputy governor and management of Bendel Insurance FC for giving me the opportunity to serve.
“I am happy we won the championship in our first appearance. The players we parade today are the same kids we took from the grassroots that made major impact at the 2019 NPFL/LaLigaUnder-15 Championship and they have now graduated to Under-17.
“It is important we say that we won all our games in the championship, including individual awards of best coach and best goalkeeper.
“The good thing is that the team is designed to feel the gap in the main team and we
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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