Sports
HOS Cup: Mighty Sparrows Qualify For ¼ Finals
The Rivers State Ministry of Information and Communication’s football team, Mighty Sparrows on Wednesday secured one of the quarter final tickets of the on-going Second Civil Service Football Competition in the state, tagged Head of Service, HOS Cup.
The team overcame the resistance of their ministry of Environment counterparts in one of the second round matches decided at the Sharks Stadium, via penalty shootout.
Information and Communication carried the day courtesy of a 3-1 score-line in the shootout after a goalless result within regulation time.
Indeed, it was a match the Mighty Sparrows would have wrapped up within regulation time with a handsome goal margin if their strikers had taken most of the opportunities they created.
Thus, the match was taken to the lottery of penalty shootout.
The Mighty Sparrows missed their first and third kick while their keepers, Gabriel Nwanetanya was able to save three of the opponent’s kicks to ensure victory and passage to the quarter final stage.
However, their happiness and celebrations were dampened by a serious ankle injury capped by their right wing-back, Osiga Saturday in the game.
Earlier in the day, Ministry of Health also defeated Office of the Head of Service 4-3 on penalties after a scoreless draw.
Also yesterday, the Ministry of Justice upset Government House team 4-3 on penalties after each side failed to score within regulation time.
Other qualifiers for the quarter final matches scheduled to commence on Monday include; ministries of Education, Culture and Tourism, Water Resources and Special Duties.
The last qualifier, which will be the best loser in the second round, was yet to be decided as at press time.
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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