Sports
Maku Triumphs At Keves Global Leasing Tennis Tourney
The 2nd edition of Keves
Global Leasing Tennis Championship 2014 has ended with Kunle Maku winning the star prize as he upset his brother, the former Nigeria number one tennis player, Sunday Maku, after a 3-6, 7-6 tie-break before he retired.
The championship, which featured 48 players at the Port Harcourt club Tennis section, popularly known as Freedom Squre, also saw Emma Afangide emerging champion in the veteran category while Chijioke Amunodi in court one and Charles Oruitemeka, the choir master, winning the coverted prizes in court two.
Othr winners include, Tonye Azike Alahaji of court three and Sam Umeh in court four.
Speaking during the tournament, the Sponsor and Managing Director of Keves Global Leasing Services, Ikenna Okafor commended the players for their performaces as well as the captain of the section, Emma Obiora, the Chirman Tournament Organising Committee, Cosmos Ntemuse and members of the section for their efforts in ensuring a hitch-free tournament.
Okafor promised to refurbish court one and donated the sum of N250,00 for the section to participate in the finals of Standard Tennis Tournament against Owerri club billed for Aba, Abia State this month.
He also charged the players to keep up the spirit, while promising that the next tournament would be better and more exciting.
In an interview with newsmen immediately after the competition Okafor who is also the Vice Captain of the tennis Section and Patron of the Rivers State Tennis Association said the aim of the sponsorship was to support sports (tennis) grow and create fun among members for good health.
He used the opportunity to dismiss the rumour that he intends to contest for President of the club, but said he would do everything possible to promote the game and commended the government on infrastructural development, while appealing for improved facilities at Port Harcourt club.
Also speaking, the General Manager of Keves Global leasing Services, Maxi Henry Umunna assured that the company would improve on its sponsorship every year and thanked participants.
Earlier, the Captain of the section, Emma Obiora had expressed gratitude to the sponsor, Ikenna Okafor for his desire to improve the courts in the section, and said the tournament would help prepare them for the Owerri championship in Aba.
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.