Sports
Oduah Donates Wheelchair, Cash To Ex-Rangers’ Player
A foundation player of Rangers International FC of Enugu Kenneth Abana, has received a donation of wheelchair from Senator Stella Oduah to enable him move around in his house.
Abana popularly called ‘Magician’ for his great skill and strength during his playing days is currently confined to his bed and side chair due to a serious health challenge from his waist to his legs.
Sen. Stella Oduah, representing Anambra North Senatorial District at the National Assembly, also gave Abana cash (amount withheld) for his daily upkeep and medical needs.
Abana was joined by members of his family and kinsmen in Nri, Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra, to receive the gifts.
Chairman of Ikpeazu Redoubtable FC, Onitsha, Odi Ikpeazu, who made the presentation on behalf of the Senator said she was deeply touched when the veteran player’s medical condition was brought to her attention.
Ikpeazu described Abana as a football idol whom he had been watching on the field from childhood and who gave joy to the people and quickened the healing of the Civil War wounds, especially, in the South East.
He said such people deserved the best they could get from the society while they were alive and should not die regretting that their contributions to humanity were not appreciated.
He said that when the Ex-Rangers Chairman told him about Abana’s condition, he quickly contacted the Senator who swiftly responded with the donated items.
“Abana is a hero, I am particularly privileged to have been the one to make the presentation, he and his contemporaries played better and for humanity in their days.
“These are national treasures that should be supported by government, most governors we have now were very young when the likes of Abana were playing football.
“On behalf of Sen. Oduah, I want to call on governors to look for these living legends and help them according to their needs,” he said.
Chairman of Ex-Rangers players in Anambra Arthur Ebuna, said, ‘Magician’ has been an inspiration to him and to the members of the football community who know him.
Ebuna said, he was worried that Abana after the burial of his teammate,NwabuezeNwankwo, had been confined to bed due to ailment.
He said that the situation had led to bedsores and nurses were only coming to treat him.
“I was sad that Abana’s health had deteriorated this much that he could no longer move about, nurses only come to dress the wounds and I started reaching out for assistance”, he said.
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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