Sports
Federation Cup: Dolphins, Enyimba Secure Semi Final Ticket
Former champions,
Enyimba International FC and Dolphins FC of Port Harcourt, are through to the semi finals of the 2014 Federation Cup having secured victories in their quarter final games last Wednesday.
Aside the two former champions, the duo of Giwa FC and Prime FC have also secured historic berths in the final four as they also saw-off their opponents last Wednesday’s thrilling quarter-final pairings.
For the defending champions Enyimba who were pitched against Sharks FC, the Aba Elephants showed class defeating the Coach Gbenga Ogunbote tutored side by two un-replied goals in Abuja to soldier on in their quest to retain the title won last year.
Sokari Kingsley and Raphael Boumsong scored in the first half to help Enyimba overcome Sharks and keep their title defense hopes alive.
Dolphins were also convincing in their win as they overcame fellow Glo Premier League side Lobi Stars 4-2.
It was, however, a tough call for the duo of Giwa FC and Prime FC who had to rely on the lottery of penalty kicks to sail through to the semis.
After a goalless 90 minutes, Giwa FC piped Crown FC 5-4 on penalties. On their part, Prime won 4-3 on penalties after the full time ended 0-0. Adejare Adeniyi was the hero again for the Osun State team.
Meanwhile, the grand finale of this year’s Men and Women Federation Cup competitions has tentatively been slated for Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos on Saturday, August 16.
Dolphins and Sharks FC’s players in a past contest. While Dolphins FC progressed to the 2014 Federations Cup semi final, Sharks lost 0-2 to Enyimba to crash out.
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.