Sports
Inter-Ministerial Soccer Tourney Excites Rivers HOS
The Head of Service in Rivers State, Mrs Esther Anucha has expressed delight over the successes recorded by the Inter-Ministerial Football Competition tagged HOS cup in the State.
Mrs Anucha bared her mind while declaring open the 2012 edition of the competition at Sharks FC stadium, Monday as part of activities lined up for this year’s Rivers State public service week.
She remarked that the competition had proved to be a forum for physical exercise, entertainment, moral booster and building of united civil service in the state.
The Rivers HOS noted that the event which started in 2009 with 18 participating teams, increased to 28 this year, adding that the development is an indication of the acceptability of the competition.
“There is need for workers to exercise in order to stay healthy and fit to perform their duties” Mrs Anucha added.
Mrs Anucha who announced the introduction of female relay-race in the event, however, urged the teams, athletes and their supporters to exhibit high spirit of sportsmanship throughout the competition.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health FC has defeated their Works FC counterpart 4-2 through penalty shootout at the opening match of the competition last Monday.
The match which started behind schedule due to late arrival of Ministry of Works team saw their Health counterparts display soccer artistry in order to pocket the three points at stake.
But the Works FC proved to be a hard nut to be cracked, culminating to 1-1 draw at regulation time before the penalty shootout.
In an interview with sports journalists shortly after the match, Chairman of Rivers State public service week, Dr George Nwolu noted that there is no financial reward for tricycles to be won during the competition .
He also debunked the allegation of poor publicity for the event, adding that the attendance to the competition would improve as the event progresses.
Isaac Nwankwo
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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