Sports
Tennis Players Struggle For Honours In PH
As the 2nd edition of
Keves Global Leasing Tennis Tournament hots up in Port Harcourt players contest for honours at the various categories of the tournament are making last minutes effort to win various prizes.
The tournament which kicked off on January 19 at the Port Harcourt Club 1928 tennis section is expected to climax on February 2, 2014.
Tidesports gathered that inspite of several walk-overs, the tournament has been going on without hitches at the various courts.
In the Centre Court, Nigeria’s former number one junior tennis champion, Sunday Maku is to clash with the Captain of the section, Emma Obiora to get to the semi finals while the Sports Secretary of Port Harcourt Club 1928, Dele Maku is to seat it out with his younger brother, Kunle Mkau, who had earlier beat his opponent, Fedel Cocoodia 6-3 and retired to grab the quarter final ticket.
In court one, a total of 14 players are vying for honours. C.J. Amunadi is to meet Ernest elochukwu, who earlier won his game against S. rekosima 3-6, 6-2,6-4, while Pat Ugorji sent R. Azotani packing with 6-3, 6-2 defeat.
The Star game between Cosmos Ntemuse and Chuks Ojukwu, the punisher, ended 6-2,4-6 and 7-5 in favour of the former, as Emenike Nwokeoji beat M. Aghosi 4-6, 6-4, 6-1, while J. Nwaja walked over C. Ogbonnaya.
At the veteran category, Karibi George walked-over E. Emordi, and T. Dokubo also walk-over M. Aadum, as well as mark Yebufra over R. Nzimiro, while Emma Afangide beat Diamond Tobin-West 7-5 before he retired.
Its going to e an exciting game in ourt Two as I. Williams slug it out with A. Jaja, who earlier won H. Briggs 6-2, before he retired, while E. Ogigbehme walked-over P. Enyia as well as Charles Oruitemeka, who also walked over F. Omubo-Pepple to the next level.
In Court Three, T. Azike has moved to semi final as his opponent, Boma Lyaye defected while F. Imangs walked-over B. Elomobi, as O’nari Brown awaits any qualifier in quarter final, leaving S. Umeh, F. Obi, T. Garando and Lee Akpuloma to struggle it out in Court Four.
The Chairman, Tournament Committee of Tennis section, Port Harcourt Club, Cosmos Ntemuse said the games are progressing very well and the participating spirit very high, and disclosed that mouth-watering lots of prizes are to be won in the tournament.
The grand finale is slated for February 2, 2014 at the same venue.
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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