Sports
Abia Warriors Want Match Moved From Maiduguri
Abia Warriors have asked
for tomorrow’s Premier League match against El-Kanemi Warriors to be moved from Maiduguri because of security fears.
The north-eastern city is the stronghold of Islamist militant group Boko Haram and Abia are concerned following waves of attacks by insurgents in Maiduguri and surrounding areas.
In a letter to the League Management Company (LMC), which runs Nigeria’s domestic league, Abia club secretary Oliver Ndife said families and friends of players have appealed for the match to be played elsewhere.
The LMC confirmed: “It’s true that they have submitted a request for the game to be moved and it is under consideration,” LMC’s chief operating officer Salihu Abubakar told newsmen.
“The letter clearly expressed the club’s concerns over travel safety and the game at the Maiduguri Township Stadium tomorrow.
“We are studying this letter, the sensitivity of the issues raised and will make our decision known as soon as possible.”
North-east Nigeria, including Borno State where Maiduguri is the capital, has been under a state of emergency since May 2013 because of the Boko Haram conflict.
The violence has intensified in recent weeks, with more than 500 people killed in the north-east already this year.
With the season only one week old, El-Kanemi have not yet hosted a match at home this season, so the safety of road travel in and out of the city for a football match has not been tested.
Nigerian domestic league clubs typically drive to matches because of budget constraints and the total distance to Maiduguri from the Abia Warriors’ south-eastern base is more than 1300 kilometres.
All commercial flights into Maiduguri were stopped following an attack by Boko Haram on the city’s airport last year.
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.
-
Business2 days agoNERC Amends Order on Meter Tampering, Power Bypass For Discos
-
News2 days agoPolice Arrest Nigerian, Two Others For Kidnapping In Edo
-
Business2 days agoNigeria, AFC sign $1.3 billion deal to build alumina refinery
-
Rivers2 days agoKENPOLY Rector Promises To Prioritise Students’ Welfare
-
Business2 days agoNCDMB Signs Mgt Deal With Radisson, Edison…As Board’s 204 Rooms Hotel Open December 2026
-
Rivers2 days agoDon, Stakeholders Urge Environmental Laws In N’Delta
-
Rivers2 days agoADIAFRICA Flags-off Free Eye Screening Outreach In PH
-
Environment2 days agoIWD: NGO promotes clean energy access for women in Kaduna