Sports
Amapakabo Welcomes Abia Warriors’ First Win
Imama Amapakabo welcomed his side’s first win of the season, but says he wished it had come earlier.
Aftergoing seven mat-ches without a win, Abia Warriors ran riot in a 4-1 trouncing of Sunshine Stars in Okigwe.
The victory also bro-ught an end to their win-less run of nine matches against the Owena Whales, while Coach Imama also recorded his first victory against Ogunbote in three meetings.
Reacting to the result, Imama said he’s delighted the elusive win finally arrived and hopes the team can kick on from there.
“The win is going to come at a point in time but coming at the 8th week, it was difficult,” the coach in his post match interview.
“We played, we crea-ted chances but we were not able to take it, like I told the players, we need one win to be able to go into the next match.
“Finally, the win has come, hopefully we are going to take it from here prior to this we had 3 draws, we were closer to these goals every time, they were not coming.
“We were unable to get victory in those 3 games because we were not converting the chances, fortunately today, the players came big and we see the result we have.”
The former Super Eagles assistant coach also heaped praises on debutant Bello Lukman, who scored a brace few minute after coming on from bench.
“I told them in the dressing room that the easiest result to upturn is a two goal lead, because when they scored one goal the narrative changed immediately and the new player scored with his first touch, every coach will be glad that his substitution scored,” he concluded.
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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