Sports
Enyimba Petitions NPL Over Errant Players
The Management of Enyimba FC International of Aba has petitioned the Nigeria Premier League (NPL) over players who refused the club their services in the match against Zanaco of Zambia.
Zanaco had in the first leg of the CAF Confederation Cup last week defeated Enyimba 4-0.
“We have written the NPL to implement sanctions as provided in the Code of Conduct of Enyimba in the letters to the players,’’ club’s Media Officer Tonnex Chukwu said in Aba at the weekend.
Chukwu told newsmen that the players, who he did not name, contravened their contract with the club.
He said that some of the players absconded after receiving 50 per cent of their sign-on fees immediately the club won the 2009/2010 NPL trophy.
“We went to Zambia with only 15 players, not all regulars; we are waiting NPL to make a statement on this because we raised an alarm before our departure for the match.
“I know Enyimba will bounce back in the return leg in Aba. It is unfortunate we lost.
“This is not the best Enyimba can offer, the team has more than that having won the CAF Championship League twice.
“If Zanaco can score four goals in the first half, why can’t Enyimba do the same in the return leg on August 1?”
Chukwu said that no team had beaten Enyimba 4-0 in any CAF competition and expressed the hope that the club will defeat the Zambians.
However, some of the absconded players have rejoined their teammates in camp for the return leg.
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.
-
Business1 day agoNERC Amends Order on Meter Tampering, Power Bypass For Discos
-
News2 days agoPolice Arrest Nigerian, Two Others For Kidnapping In Edo
-
Business1 day agoNigeria, AFC sign $1.3 billion deal to build alumina refinery
-
Rivers1 day agoKENPOLY Rector Promises To Prioritise Students’ Welfare
-
Business1 day agoNCDMB Signs Mgt Deal With Radisson, Edison…As Board’s 204 Rooms Hotel Open December 2026
-
Rivers1 day agoDon, Stakeholders Urge Environmental Laws In N’Delta
-
Rivers1 day agoADIAFRICA Flags-off Free Eye Screening Outreach In PH
-
News2 days agoNDLEA Arrests Ex-Councillor With 40kg Skunk, Recovers Drugs In Diapers