Sports
Sharks FC Gets Govt’s Assurance Over Pay
Rivers State government has assured players of Sharks FC, Port Harcourt that monies owed them would be paid in a forthnight. This followed a protest march by players of the club to the Government House yesterday over their unpaid sign-on fees and bonuses of last season.
The State’s deputy governor, Engr. Tele Ikuru who addressed the players at the Government House, said he would relate everything to the governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Amaechi , and further pay all the monies owed them.
“As I am speaking to you the governor is not in the state, but immediately he comes in, I will brief him and we will pay you all the monies we owe you. But I will advise you to go back to your camp and concentrate, to achieve good results” Ikuru said.
This is the second time such peaceful demonstration would take place. The first was by Dolphins FC, last two months over the same reason.
Both Sharks and Dolphins fcs are being sponsored by the state government and players of both teams are owed sign on fees of last season and some match bonuses.
It is not new that players of these two teams have boycotted training sessions so many times, and been pleaded with and promised payment.
In his reactions, the captain of Sharks fc, Odinga Odinga said players would obey the Deputy governor, and give them a benefit of the doubt, adding that after the expiration of the two weeks, they would still demand for their rights if nothing is done.
“The deputy governor has given us his words and we will take him by his words. Since he assured us, we will go back and face our remaining matches, because our target is to get one of the continental tickets” Odinga said.
Tonye Orabere
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.
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