Sports
Union Bank Records 3rd Victory In B/Ball League
Union Bank Basketball Club of Lagos recorded its third victory, beating Customs Basketball Club 67-65, in the Week Five fixtures of the ongoing 2011/12 DStv Men’s Basketball League played at the weekend.
Union Bank, 2010/11 First Runner-up of the league, led the first and second quarters of the game by 12-10 and 17-15 respectively, while the third quarter saw the two teams tying 20-20.
Customs claimed the last quarter with just two points 20-18 and that could not help it to record its first victory.
Customs, just promoted back into the league, had not won any of the five matches it had played so far. Union Bank has lost only one of the four matches it had played.
Coach Scott Nnaji of Customs, in an interview with newsmen, blamed his team’s loss on hard luck, saying “I think luck was not on our side at all because my players tried their best.”
Nnaji said the loss of so many free throws also robbed them of their first victory. He also attributed the team’s loss to technical fouls committed by his players.
He, however, expressed optimism of better performance in subsequent matches as the team could not afford to suffer relegation.
Coach Johnson Ayinla of Union Bank expressed delight that the team did not record a second loss.
“I am happy that we narrowly won this match; it was through sheer luck that we were able to win this game as Customs were all out to defeat us,” Ayinla said.
According to him, the team’s technical crew will continue to work on the young players to enable them to maintain the winning streak.
The second match of the day saw Ebun Comets defeating host and city rival, Lagos Islanders, 70-58 to record a second win in five matches they had played so far.
However, Lagos Islanders had recorded two losses in the five matches they had played.
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.