Sports
Youth Leader Assures On Orogbum Unity Cup
President of Orogbum Youth Council, Prince Bibo Ogoloma, has reaffirmed his
preparepness to ensure that the annual Orogbum Unity Football Cup Competition
organised in memory of late Chief Ezekiel Amadi Weli Wokekoro, among various
families in Orugbum community, Ogbunabali continues to improve in standard.
Making the statement while Speaking with Tide Sport at the match venue of this year’s edition, at (Ahiamakara field) Prince Ogoloma said he was highly delighted with the smooth kick off of the competition, even though this year’s edition started late.
According
to him, the glamour of the tournament would not be taken away from the game.
He
maintained that the competition which has come a long way will not go down
under his tenure. He said that, he has rolled up his sleeves by taking the
responsibility of ensuring that this year’s edition is organised, since there
was no sponsorship from any quarter.
The
commended Chief Nnamdi Wokekoro for his inspirational support towards the
organisation of the tournament.
Ogoloma
noted that the event has been used to settle communities that had age long
differences in the area, saying that virtually all Orogbun communities are now
in harmony and also participating in the tournament.
He
urged players and supporters of the various family teams to conduct themselves
well throughout the period of the competition.
Meanwhile
results of matches played so far include Orokpotoma(l-1) Akugbol, Iroh(1-1)
Orochinwaeze while the encounter between
Nerewosu and Orieku ended in 2-1 in favour of the Nerewosu.
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.