Sports
Monarch Commends Abolga Allstars Over Grassroots Football Dev
The Ada-Abuam, King Keleh
O.M. Obuge, of Abua/Odual Local Government Area of Rivers State has commended the Abua/Odual Allstars for their commitment to the development of grassroots football in the area.
King Obuge, who made the commendation during the final day of the 5th Edition of Abua/Odual Unity Cup at Central Abua last Saturday, noted that the tournament has united the communities and brought peace in the entire kingdom.
The Monarch commended the President of Abolga Allstars, Deacon Solomon Igbanibo for his focus and commitment in re-orienting and nurturing the youth for a better tomorrow.
According to him, “I commend the ABOLGA Allstars led by Deacon Solomon Igbanibo for ensuring that the competition continues inspite of the crisis in some parts of the kingdom.
He noted that the tournament has no doubt witnessed tremendous improvement in the last five years as most of the players who have participated had advanced to higher playing carrier.
“The gain of this competition has been enormous, but the most important and valuable to us are the peace and the unity it boosted among the communities and people”, he said.
He however encouraged the players to always keep faith, advising that this kind of tournament were where talents are spotted and developed.
According to him, Kanu Nwankwo, Stephen Keshi, Sampson Siasia and many other players that have made Nigeria proud were spotted from a competiton of this nature and worked themselves to where they are today.
He tasked the players to be committed to their profession, noting that commitment is one way that would help elevate them to a greater heights.
The highlight of the occasion was the presentation of awards to companies and persons who assisted the success of the competition.
Meanwhile, the final match between Netbombers Football Club and BrighStars FC ended in favour of BrightStars FC.
The match which entered into a penalty shoot out saw the goalkeeper of the BrightStars FC, Dida Emmanuel stopping all the kicks of the Netbombers FC. The United Brothers finished in third place.
Certificates of participation were given to teams while Cup and medals were also given to female team Champion and the male team Champion.
Speaking to newsmen, the President of Abua/Odual Allstars said he would step down as the president of the Association this year haven piloted the affairs of the Association for five years and hope that the new executive would carry on with the achievements of the association to a higher levels.
Keshi
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.