Sports
NDDC Promises Two Stadiums In ABOLGA
The Niger Delta
Development Commission NDDC, has promised to build two standard stadiums in Abua/Odual Local Government Area of Rivers State.
Executive Director of Finance and Administration, NDDC, Dr Henry Ogiri, who stated this last Wednesday, during the opening ceremony of Dr Henry Ogiri Unity and Peace Cup said one of the stadiumS would be located at Emelego, Odual WHILE the other would be at Abual Central, the headquarter of the local government area.
He said the stadium would have pavilion so that spectators can stay and watch matches even when it rains assuring to work closely with people to ensure that it is done.
He commended the Local Organising Committee (LOC) for a work well-done, adding that the aim of the competition was to ensure peace and unity among the community.
Dr Ogiri, who was a former member of the Rivers State House of Assembly urged the youths to shun violence, as he advised the losers not to fight. According to him, “this is necessary because in every competition there must be a looser and a winner. The only way we can ensure we win is to work and train hard.
“If you want peace, you should always think in that direction. Football or soccer always brings Nigeria together”, he said.
He recalled that Abual Odual local government area in the past experienced violence, and this competition is a way to bring the youth together and also engage them meaningfully.
NDDC Boss however, described the competition as another opportunity to empower people because there are prizes to be won at the end of the tournament.
“This competition has prizes to win. I have asked friends to encourage me to ensure that good prizes are given to the winners, players, referees, best behave team, best players and the Golden boat”, he said.
The opening match between the White Eagles and Youngstars ended in a barren draw.
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.