Sports
Heartland FC Wins 2011 Federation Cup
Heartland FC of Owerri yesterday at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos, upset pre-match favorites, Enyimba International FC, 1-0 to emerge 2011 Federation Cup Champions.
The match, played before partisan supporters of the hugely followed rival clubs from the Eastern part of Nigeria was as explosive as it was exciting.
Indeed, the match, which received so much hype was a good advertisement for Nigerian clubside football, as Heartland and Enyimba matched each other grit for grit and skill for skill.
Apparently buoyed by the presence of Imo State Governor, Owelle Roachas Okorocha, Heartland started the match on better footing than Enyimba, who was widely tipped to be in better form following their campaign in the CAF champions League. But it was Heartland’s Osar Okoro, Stanley Ohawuchi and Ibenegbu marshalled midfield and attack that put Enyimba on the back foot, especially in the first half.
Tried as much as Enyimba did to give as much as they got, Heartland did not concede any quarters as it proved to be an end to end action.
Heartland’s superior possession and perhaps, determination seemed to lift them above their opponents.
Also, their excellent positional play, runs and passes threw the people’s elephant off-balance. As the first half looked like it would end on a barren note, Heartland’s goal arrived. A lofted cross from the left was not dealt by Enyimba defence, only for Nwachukwu to nod power- fully, which keeper John Lawrence could only palm down and skipper Chinedu Efugh scrambled home.
Tonye Orabere, Nancy Briggs
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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