Sports
‘New League Season Must Be For Sharks, Dolphins’
Rivers State’s two clubs in the Globacom Premier League, Sharks and Dolphins FCs have been described as being in vantage position for the league title in the coming 2009/10- league season.
This was the position of football agent, Stanley Kpoika during an interview with Tidesports on Monday.
According to him, the return of Dolphins FC to the elite league should be an opportunity to trigger a healthy rivalry that can see both sides, gunning for the honours on offer next season.
The South Africa based agent told Tidesports that the two clubs being in the premier league should be seen as an advantage rather than otherwise, because if they can compete positively, both clubs would be on their toes throughout the season, trying to outdo the other.
“Rather than Sharks and Dolphins seeing themselves as enemies or bitter rivals, they should see their being in the premiership together as motivating,” said Kpoika.
He noted that only positive aspects of rivalry in sports should be encouraged, so that it can be a galvanising force for the parties involved.
The agent lamented Sharks’ inability to win a major trophy so far in their history, but said that the potential exists.
“Sharks can win a major trophy next season. The means is only to play well in advance, prepare early, provide the necessary tools at the right time and ensure that the right attitude is maintained among the players and managers throughout the season.
“Perhaps, there are some things Dolphins, who have been very successful, have been doing differently from Sharks. They have to find out what and adopt it to their own ways,” he added.
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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