Sports
“We Are Struggling To Play Our Brand Of Football”
Coach Abdul Maikaba said Rangers are finding it difficult to play good football in Nnewi at moment, but he’s satisfied with how the players managed to grind out results.
The Flying Antelopes defeated MFM of Lagos 2-0 on Sunday to stay within the top two.
Tope Olusesi got the first goal of the game after 11 minutes, before Ossy Martins sealed the victory from penalty spot on the stroke of half time.
“We are happy with getting three points at this time. It is so important to the team and our aspirations. “ He said to the media after game.
Rangers currently adopted FC IfeanyiUba stadium in Nnewi as their home ground, but Maikaba hinted that his players are struggling their brand of football on the tuff.
“Actually, the boys played well and the only area I believe we are finding difficult to come to is the playing pitch. Even though we are at home, we need a good pitch to play our brand of football because we find it difficult to play here, every time.”
“But, we are happy that we were able to win and I hope we keep improving on this surface because, this is our home whether we like it or not, we will be playing here.”
Concluding the interview, The former Akwa United heaped praises on MFM for pushing his boys all through.
“Our opponent gave us a good fight especially in the second half but we held out to earn this win against a difficult M.F.M.”
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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