Sports
Ranchers Bees Attack Referee Fans In Kaduna
Players of Ranchers
Bees FC of Kaduna on Friday in Abuja attacked centre referee Charles Ozigbo from Anambra during their week 30 replay match in the Nigeria National League (NNL).
In the match played at the FIFA Goal Project pitch of the National Stadium, the attack came immediately after Ozigbo awarded a penalty kick to Kwara United FC.
This was in the 20th minute of the match scheduled to hold for only 28 minutes, after their earlier meeting had ended abruptly in the 62nd minute.
In this match slated to begin at 10 a.m., the centre referee and the assistant referees were almost lynched but for the prompt intervention of security officials.
Ozigbo had a cut on his face and head and was taken out of the stadium in an ambulance, along with other officials.
The other officials are First Assistant Referee Eze Nwankwo, Second Assistant Referee Anozie John-Mary and the Match Commissioner, Mohammed Manzo.
The match was thereafter abandoned as the Ranchers Bees players further unleashed their anger on some policemen and football fans around.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the decision to have the match’s remaining 28 minutes played was taken by the Appeals Committee of the Nigeria Football Association (NFA).
Both teams had met in Kaduna on November 15, in a match crucial to both sides’ promotion chances, but it was abandoned in the 62nd minute at 2-2.
Violence had erupted some moments after hosts Ranchers Bees had drawn level from two goals down.
Kwara United FC of Ilorin had needed a win from the match to be promoted to the 2014/2015 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL), with the Ranchers just needing a 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.
-
News1 day agoPolice Arrest Nigerian, Two Others For Kidnapping In Edo
-
Business20 hours agoNERC Amends Order on Meter Tampering, Power Bypass For Discos
-
Business20 hours agoNigeria, AFC sign $1.3 billion deal to build alumina refinery
-
Rivers19 hours agoKENPOLY Rector Promises To Prioritise Students’ Welfare
-
News1 day agoNDLEA Arrests Ex-Councillor With 40kg Skunk, Recovers Drugs In Diapers
-
Nation1 day agoPerm Sec Explains Success Of FGM Elimination Programme In Rivers
-
Business20 hours agoNCDMB Signs Mgt Deal With Radisson, Edison…As Board’s 204 Rooms Hotel Open December 2026
-
Rivers19 hours agoADIAFRICA Flags-off Free Eye Screening Outreach In PH