Sports
Rivers Angels’ Victory Over Osun Babes Excites Coach
Rivers Angels FC of Port Harcourt has sustained their second position on the league chart, taking their points haul to 14 after defeating visiting Osun Babes FC 2-1 in one of the Week Six fixtures of the ongoing 2021 Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) played last Wednesday at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium, Port Harcourt.
The Jewels of Rivers are currently leading their group, Group B, with 14 points from six matches played so far in the competition.
Head coach of the team, Edwin Okon, commended his girls for their performance so far and urged them to sustain the tempo, adding that more wins are expected as they strive to achieve their dream this season.
“My girls have performed well so far, l encourage them not to relent in their good work. I know the task would not be easy, as there are no underdog in the sport, but, if we put our mind to it we can reach our destination,” Okon said.
Okon, who disclosed this yesterday stated that the league was still on, and his team’s position currently was good but they were aiming high, adding that his players are in good shape and will move anytime to occupy the front seat.
“ My girls are in high spirit and are determined to reach the top. All we need do is win matches and no doubt, my girls are poised for outright win, this will give us the desired target,”
It would be recalled that Rivers Angels FC have played six home and away matches, won three and drew three.
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.