Sports
Referees Beat Us In Owerri, Not Heartland -Lobi Coach
Coach Evans Ogenyi of Lobi Stars FC of Makurdi has blamed his team’s 0-1 away loss to Heartland of Owerri on poor officiating.
“I lost to the referees, I didn’t lose to Heartland,” Ogenyi told newsmen after the match at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri.
He urged referees to allow the game of football to grow in Nigeria to create better opportunities for the players and coaches.
“Today I lost to the referees; you journalists are partners in progress, publish it and let football grow in Nigeria,’’ Ogenyi said.
Heartland’s coach Kelechi Emeteole admitted that his team lost grip of the game in the first half, only to struggle at the end.
“We lost grip of the match in the first half, threw away close to six goals, only for us to start struggling at the end. I cannot say what went wrong.
“I can say this is sort of a make-shift team if you look at their performance,’’ he said.
Emeteole, however, said that most of the regulars were benched so that they would not break down.
“I decided to bench some players who have been overworked, so that we don’t break them down,’’ he said.
He said the team would play home against 3SC of Ibadan tomorrow and against El-Kanemi Warriors of Borno on Wednesday in Zaria in the FA Cup competition.
“I am managing them, win is win; we are managing the team so that we don’t break the players down.’’
Bello Kofarmata scored the only goal of the match from a re-bound after his penalty kick was blocked by Lobi Stars’ goalkeeper in the 47th minute.
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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