Sports
Keves Football Competition Has Discovered New Talents – Coach
The Head Coach of Vandyke FC of Port Harcourt, Stanley Basi, has said that the ongoing Rivers State Keves Football Competition, (RSKFC), will assist the youth in the state to rediscover their talents.
He also stated that the competition has engaged many youth into meaningful activities, instead of going into nefarious acts.
Basi said this on Monday in an exclusive interview with Tidesports shortly after his boys (players) played goalless draw against Rivers United Feeder team in their third match in the tournament at the Sharks football stadium in Port Harcourt.
The Vandyke FC Coach explained that the competition is a good one and gave kudos to the Rivers State Football Association (RSFA).
“The state FA has done so well with this competition; the youth will channel their energy toward the round leather game.
We are just a new team in the state.
This is our first time playing in the FA organised competition.
For the game my players try their best.
We didn’t prepare well for the tournament but since we have registered we will do our best to ensure we achieve something out of the competition.
We plan for each game has it comes, today’s game is over our next plan is to see how we can do to win the next game.
It was a balance game, both teams played good football” Basi said.
He frowned at the poor officiating of the match, saying that the match Officials was biased.
“The officiating was too poor we were denied penalty in the first half, it was because of that I called the attention of the referee”
Also speaking the Head Coach of Rivers United Feeder, Ken Chukwu, said playing draw against a team that lost 5-0 in their second match is not a bad result, adding that they were trying to redeem their image.
“Our opponents were trying to redeem their image because they needed a win but they were unable to keep the tempo.
Just that we could not convert our chances in the first half but the draw is not a bad result,” Chukwu said.
By: Kiadum Edookor
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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