Sports
Otarita FC Emerges Abolga Champion’s Cup
Otarita Football Club of
Abua at the weekend emerged the 2014/2015 Abua/Odual local government champions cup winners on Saturday.
The team defeated Bright Stars of Abua 2-1 in a penalty shootout after playing out a 2-2 draw in regulation time.
Bright Stars, who came into the game strongly draw the first blood in the 30th minute after a defensive error. The Otarita boys, who could not measure up in the first stanza of the game drew level from the penalty spot in the 36th minute.
Egotiser Iman Oye converted the kick to bring his side back into the games.
The first half ended 1-1 and on resumption, the Otarita boys who last week won the Dr Henry Ogosi cup and tagged of N3 million, from their slumber and increased the tally to two at the 85th minutes of play. The Bright Stars teams cater at the dying minutes made it 2-2 and the match went straight kicks spot kicks.
During the spot into goal keeper of Otarite football Emughedi Idiator repeated what he did lost week by stopping four of the Bright Stars kicks and ensure his team lifted the cup.
Although there was no financial reward for the cup, the Abolga FA organised the competition to commence the football season in the area.
Cup and medals were presented to the players while certificate were presented to two coaches for the commitment
The Saturday’s champions cup final was the second edition, the first was last year between the winners of Charman’s Cup and Abolga All Stars women .
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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