Sports
Amaechi’s Cup Kicks Off, July 21
The maiden football competition for clubs within the Port Harcourt old Township and Borokiri axis of the metropolis in Rivers State, christened Governor Amaechi Cup, has been scheduled to commence on the 21st of this month.
According to the chairman, Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the competition, Mr Dabo-Ere Dokubo in an interview yesterday, the N18million prize money competition has been embraced by virtually all the youth within the Borokiri and Old Township axis of Port Harcourt.
Already, 32 clubs have registered for the competition and itching for the matches to begin.
Dokubo said that he was pleasantly surprised at the speed with which clubs responded to the registration exercise .
All the 32 clubs collected, completed and returned their forms within one week of opening registration formalities.
“Indeed, the clubs and people of the area are itching to see good football and the exciting experiences the competition promises”, said Dokubo.
The LOC chairman stated that the rules governing the competition have been made available to the clubs.
He stated that venue for the competition, the No1 field in the Old Township is ready and wearing a new look.
According to the rules, players who are involved in the Nigeria Premier League and nationwide league would not be allowed to participate.
Meanwhile, a trial match to test-run facilities at the No1 field has been fixed for the 15th of this month.
The match, which will be between the selected sides of Borokiri and Old Township will be captained by Boma Iyaye and Aye Atama-Pepple.
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.