Sports
Sharks FC Records First Away Point
Sharks Football Club of Port Harcourt recorded its first away point and goal of the season following the draw against Wikki Tourists at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium in Bauchi.
Sharks kicked off the game with so much precision and more business like than their host who were relying on the centre referee Shabacg Barnabas from Kaduna to play the tactically for them to the consternation of the fans.
The blue angels as Sharks FC are fondly called broke the deadlock in the 40th minute when Abraham Ezioha detached and jumped high above his marker to head home the first goal of the match.
The score line stood that way until the end of first half, there were other scaring moment once Ikechukwu Ezenwa was called to duty the other was the cross bar which was at the mercy of Sharks FC.
On the resumption of play in the second half Wikki came out stronger in search of the equaliser and not before long they got a controversial penalty after the referee adjudged Ezioha to have handled the ball and the subsequent spot kick was clinically converted by Tunde Aremu in the 55th minute.
The equaliser ginger the Bauchi boys and for ten minutes they were in control of the game as Sharks resorted to long thrust so as not to caused any infringement since the Centre Referee was busy making calls to the advantage of Wikki.
The introduction of Kingsley Patrick popularly called Nakata for tired Stanley Okoronkwo worked pretty well as Sharks took charge of proceeding using fast break to destabilised Wikki but the second goal never came.
Most of the fans rooted for Sharks FC but the few irate ones harassed the visitors such that the assistant coach Gabriel was slapped and the media officer got some too on his back while struggling to enter the team bus.
In fact it took the intervention of those fans who felt their players should be blamed for not taking advantage of the 12th player’s (centre referee) match officials largesse that we came left the ATB stadium unhurt.
Goal keeper Ikechukwu Ezenwa described the performance of the entire team as heart-warming.
“If I may say it’s a great performance for the team and I think it was because of the hard work by the players and officials”.Ëzenwa said
The shot stopper said the draw will further motivate the boys while he solicited for more support from the management of the team.
“I believe the boys are happy now because of the score draw which will certainly ginger us for more just as I appeal to management to also do their own part as well”, he added
Meanwhile technical adviser of the side Gbenga Ogunbote dedicated the outcome of the match to God almighty.
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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