Sports
Abia Warriors’ Victory, Well Deserved – Amapakabo
Abia Warriors head Coach,Imama Amapakabo, says the team’s 1-0 win over Rangers was “well deserved”, as they continue to move up the table.
Paul Samson, who returned after an injury spell, scored a nice curling shot from the edge of the box in the 25th minute.
The goal proved to be the match winner, but Abia Warriors laboured to see out the win with ten men after Daniel Wotlai was given his marching orders.
“Another game in the league that we had to play, fortunately I know that the game would be highly tactical and I give kudos to the boys. They were able to keep their shapes especially after the red card,” Amapakabo said.
“After the red card, we hard to reorganise and make the players keep their shape tactically and even when we went on a low line, they were still able to keep the head.
“The red card changed our game completely, I wanted to make other changes but the red card affected the plans completely.”
On how he masterminded the win over coach Salisu Yusuf, whom he worked with in the national team, Imama Amapakabo said he was familiar with how the veteran coach usually set up his team.
“Again, I’ve worked with Salisu Yusuf in the national team and clubs side, so I could guess or predict his approach.
“I could say I got lucky to get one over him today,” he conclude.
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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