Sports
Anambra Community Plans Big For Soccer Dev.
Ukpor Community in Nnewi South Local Government Area of Anambra has concluded plans to raise funds for its youths’ football development as parts of efforts to encourage youth involvement in sports.
Vice President-General, Ukpor Improvement Union, Alex Ifeagwazi, disclosed this in an interview with the Tidesports on Wednesday shortly after the kick-off of the Ukpor Unity Football Cup Competition.
Ifeagwazi said that the community planned to float a team that would play at the Anambra State Challenge Cup next year.
He said that the members of the Technical Committee of the Ukpor Sports Association would pick the team that emerge the winner of the competition for further training ahead of the state challenge cup.
“This is the best of the teams we have in Ukpor that can equally challenge or maybe participate in challenge cup and whatever, whatever you have.
“That is the way we are going. We want to project all these boys.
“When they start earning the hard currency some would start entering the coffers of the union. And we would be growing too.
“On that particular day (final), they would be here, after playing, we equally raise funds for them.’’
The Chairman, Ukpor Sports Association, Leo Iloegbu said that the association had invited officials of the state Football Association (FA) to officiate and take charge of the competition to avoid bias.
“What we have here is tested and trusted officials from the state FA and we have continued to attract solidarity from our people here who are watching the matches.
“At the final, sports dignitaries led by Chief Mike Umeh, first Vice-President of the Nigeria Football Association (NFA), Christain Chukwu, former Super Eagles Coach will be here to be honoured as well as watch the epic final.’’
Tidesports reports that the 10 football teams are participating in the ongoing competition, which will end on December 31.
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
-
Rivers1 day agoDon, Stakeholders Urge Environmental Laws In N’Delta
-
News2 days agoNDLEA Arrests Ex-Councillor With 40kg Skunk, Recovers Drugs In Diapers
-
Business1 day agoNCDMB Signs Mgt Deal With Radisson, Edison…As Board’s 204 Rooms Hotel Open December 2026
-
Rivers1 day agoADIAFRICA Flags-off Free Eye Screening Outreach In PH