Sports
Pillars Hold Dolphins In PH
Dolphins FC was held to a 1-1 draw at home by Kano Pillars in an NPFL Week 17 game played at the Liberation Stadium at the weekend.
Kabiru Umar stunned the hosts when he scored in the 10th minute to put Kano Pillars in the lead.
The hosts fought hard to get back into the game, but Pillars held onto their lead going into the break.
In the second half, Dolphins kept up the pressure on Pillars and were instantly rewarded as Fred Okwara scored in the 47th minute to equalize for the hosts with his seventh goal of the season.
Dolphins continued to dominate the game in their search for a winner, but Pillars held on to ensure that both teams had a share of the spoils in spite of the fact that they had a numerical disadvantage following the sending off of Mustapha in the 48th minute.
Meanwhile, Kwara United FC also on Saturday defeated visiting Bayelsa United FC of Yenagoa 2-0 in a premier league week 17 encounter.
With the victory, Kwara United now have 28 points from 17 matches.
Adamu Yahaya opened scoring in the 23rd minute, while Stanley Dimgba scored the second goal in the 55th minute. Kwara United play Akwa United on Wednesday in Ilorin in the week 18 encounter.
Meanwhile, the Technical Adviser of Kwara United, Samson Unuanel received the Coach of Month Award for May, while a player of the team, Adamu Yahaya, won the best player award.
Malam Busari Ishola, Kwara FA Chairman, said the coach won the award as a result of the away win over Lobi Stars of Makurdi and other home matches the team won.
For Yahaya, he scored four goals in five matches played in the month.
Unuanel in his remark dedicated the award to the technical crew, fans and supporters of the club.
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.