Sports
Rangers In Search Of Home, Away Victories
The Technical Adviser of Rangers International FC of Enugu, Coach Okey Emodi, has affirmed the club’s resolve to win all home and away matches in their bid for the league title.
Emodi told newsmen in Enugu after Rangers ran riot in an emphatic 5-0 victory over Jigawa Golden Stars FC recently that the boys had played to his satisfaction.
The technical adviser added that the virtuoso performance came amid the hectic schedule last week which had impinged on their preparation for the match.
In spite of the encomiums, Emodi still complained about some aspects of the game where the players had not measured up.
“It was a good game, the boys played well except that they did not put in enough effort in the second half.
“But thank God they scored almost all the goals in the first half,” he said.
The technical adviser also commended the club’s top striker, Chikeluba Ofoedu’s consistency in front of goal and urged him to sustain the momentum.
Hosts, Rangers blasted four goals in an entertaining first half at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu, while the fifth goal was scored in the extra time to consign the Jigawa team to a humiliating defeat.
The victory, Rangers consolidated their lead on the Nigeria Premier League (NPL) standings to improve its chances of being champions.
The big win in Enugu took on an even greater significance because of the defeat of closest rivals on the league table, Kano Pillars, by Kaduna United.
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.