Sports
Amaechi Tasks Dolphins, Rivers Angels On More Trophies
Rivers State Governor, Rt. Hon Chibuike Amaechi has rewarded state owned clubs,Dolphins and Angels Football clubs for winning the 2010/2011 Nigeria Premier League and the female Federation Cup titles, respectively, while urging them to win more titles in order to get more rewards in the future.
Speaking at a special reception and award giving ceremony at the Government House, Port Harcourt on Monday, the Governor said he has achieved in spurring the two teams to victory.
“You remember when you came with Sharks and we gave Sharks a car’’, Amaechi recalled ,” all of you were very unhappy going home without a car and I told you that if you wanted a car go and win a trophy and come. So it wasn’t upto a year you won a trophy, so congratulations.’’
In the same vein, the Governor lauded Rivers Angels pointing out that the female team has been exceptional and has remained in the national lime light of the female football adding,” it is good that you remain there and continue to enroll as many women, or as many girls as possible who will hold the national position in the female league’’.
He announced a Ford Saloon car gift to both the players and the coaches, while donating a cash gift of N1million to the coaches and N500,000 to each of the players, assuring that government will continue to reciprocate hardwork from its sportsmen.
However, Governor Amaechi challenged Dolphins to win this year’s league,” I hope you will climb the league…currently I hear that Dolphins is in the third position…even it is one point the man who has one point high and above Doplhin will have won the league. So why not remain on top of the league so you win the trophy’’.
Earlier, Commissioner for Sports, Mr. Fred Igwe said the gesture is in fulfillment of the Governor’s pledge to the players during his last visit to their camp.
He said that Dolphis has won many trophies in the past, while stressing that,” Since we took over from Eagle Cement it has been one trophy or the other’’.
Also, he noted that Rivers Angels have remained outstanding in the female league,” one remarkable thing about the team is that about 21 of our Rivers Angels players contitute the national female teams ‘’.
Responding on behalf of the coaches and players, coach of Dolphins Football Club, Mr. Stanley Eguma expressed joy and fulfillment over the gesture,” Your Execellency you have matched your words with action and we will work harder to win more trophies in the state’’.
While praising the Commissioner in addressing the welfare of players, Mr. Eguma solicited further governments assistance to the club by providing a bus to convey its Supporters Club to match venues.
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.