Sports
I Will Revive Sporting Activities In Gokana LGA – Dekoo
The Chairman of Gokana Local Government Council in Rivers State, Confidence Dekoo, has said that he will revive sporting activities in the local government area.
He stated that his administration will display the rich cultural heritage of his LGA which football is going to take a centre stage.
Deekoo said this last Sunday in an interview with sports journalists just after a novelty football match between Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) selected players and Gokana selected in honour of the Super Eagles goalkeeper, Noble John, at Morgo Community Primary School pitch, in Gokana.
He explained that his focus in the LGA is not only in sports but also to bring back the economy and infrastructural development in the area and more happiness among the people.
“ Our people had been known for the negative but when you see one out of a lot from Gokana who struggle to become a Super Eagles goalkeeper, it calls for celebration.
“So, I think what we are doing for him is to make him an example to others that if they try, they can as well be like him.
“You see me wearing John Noble’s jersey just to prove to others that Gokana shall produce other goalkeepers and players as well,” Dekoo stated.
According to the LGC boss, Gokana had been known for criminality and violence, but today they are changing the narrative and by the grace of God, he has given them the strength and wisdom to go about what they can do to put Gokana among the comity of local governments not in bad light this time but in the best of light for good.
He expressed happiness for the turnout for the event, adding that the game will also discover other hidden talents in the area.
“We are going to bring back Gokana United FC because that is where John Noble started his career and today is a public figure.
So bringing back the club will help to discover more talents in our area.
“By next month, we are going to revive the Gokana stadium,” he added.
Also speaking, the Enyimba FC goalkeeper, John Noble, expressed joy for the honour done to him, saying that, this is the best honour that has happened to him in his football career .
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.