Sports
Eguma Faults Rangers Winning Goal
Dolphins coach Stanley Eguma
has questioned the penalty awarded against his side for Rangers to win 2-1 on Wednesday.
After going six games unbeaten in the league and eleven in all competitions, Dolphins fell 2-1 to Rangers in a game that could have gone either way.
Rangers took an early lead through Super Eagles forward Ighodaro Osaguona in the 10th minute for his 14th goal of the season.
Tijjani Adamu equalised for Dolphins in the 63rd minute, before Christian Obiozor scored Rangers winner seven minutes later.
“We prepared to win or at worst pick a draw but it was quite unfortunate that we couldn’t,” said Dolphins coach Eguma.
“All was well until the ending part of the game when the referee gave a penalty against us and I really do not think that was a penalty.
“But we won’t let this one match pull or back as we will continue to strategise for other game and we will recover from today’s loss.”
Eguma said the focus is now on Sunday’s clash at home against Gombe United.
Meanwhile, embattled Rangers coach John Obuh said he just wanted to win, knowing the strength of the current Dolphins side.
“Dolphins have gone unbeaten for so long, so I expected them to play as well as they did so I just wanted to win no matter what,” Obuh said.
Rangers are now in 14th position, while Dolphins drop out of the top four.
Nwofor
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.