Sports
ABS Ready For Comeback To Glo League
Abubakar Bukola Saraki
(ABS) FC of Ilorin, has said that the club was battle-ready to stage a quick comeback to the Globacom Premier League (GPL) next season.
The club’s General Manager, Alloy Chukwuemeka, told newsmen in Ilorin that the players and officials were aware of the enormous mandate before them.
He said the welfare of players and officials would be given topmost priority to enable them to fully concentrate on their job.
ABS is one of the four clubs relegated to the Nigerian National League (NNL) after the 2012/2013 season.
“We want to put smiles on the faces of our fans again by ensuring we return to the GPL next season.
“We will continue to run the club in a professional way with respect to FIFA standards.
“We are one of the few clubs which give young players the chance to prove themselves.
“The proprietor is not happy about what happened last season but we will justify the confidence he reposed in us,’’ Chukwuemeka said.
The former Yobe Desert FC spokesman said the club’s resolve to pay the players GPL allowances was a sign that the management was serious about returning to the country’s elite division.
It would be recalled that ABS unveiled a 30-man squad last month in their buildup to the 2013/2014 season of the NNL which will kick off tomorrow.
The club had lost 24 of their players during the off season period.
The club, owned by Senator Saraki will kick off their campaign in the NNL on Sunday against Gabros FC at the Kwara Stadium complex.
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.