Sports
A.K. Horsfall’s U-20 Peace Cup Kicks Off October
The United Youths Sports Federation of Nigeria (UYSFON) has concluded arrangements to organise the maiden edition of a grassroot football tournament tagged “Chief A. K. Horsfall Under-20 soccer peace cup” among various youth teams in Rivers State.
According to a statement by the National President of UYSFON, Chief Godspower Kokoriko the aim of the competition is basically to discover talents that would represent the state and Nigeria at national and international football competitions.
The release, thanked the Rivers State government for its initiative in rehabilitating the youths under the leadership of Chief A. K. Horsfall noting that the competition would no doubt add to the depth of talents and help to bring back the lost glory of football in the state.
The statement further called on multi-national companies in the state to see the need to identify with the lofty ideas of Chief Horsefall in sponsoring football at the grassroot level.
Meanwhile, the executive Governor of the State, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, his Deputy Tele Ikuru alongside the state commissioner for Sports Hon. Boma Iyaye are expected to grace the opening ceremony on the 8th of next month.
Also expected are the speaker Hon. Tonye Harry Rivers State House of Assembly and other prominent personalities.
The competition venue will be at the Stella Maris College play ground Port Harcourt with KC FC encountering police machine FC in the opening match.
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.