Sports
Ex-Sharks Supporters’ Boss Wants New Strikers
Former chairman of Sharks
FC supporters club, Minainyo Igani has appealed to the management and technical crew of the club to sign new strikers that can convert scoring chances.
He stated that the major problem of the team is the absence of good strikers, adding that the team also need some good orientation, to enable the players brace up.
According to him, the coach of the club, Gbenga Ogunbote has put in some good technical knowledge into the players, that is more reason why the team perform impressively last season.
“I believe that for Sharks to do well this upcoming season, the club need to sign new strikers, I mean players that can put ball into the net.
To me, Ogunbote is a good coach and promising. As I speak to you I have not praised any coach, but Ogunbote has really demonstrated good technical knowledge in the game of football” Igani said.
The former supporters club boss, said these in an exclusive interview with Tidesports, yesterday in Port Harcourt, adding that what the players need is to build up self confidence, determination and commitment.
Igani expressed confidence that his team will do better than last season, because of the intensive training sessions they having in the close camping, at far Ijebu Ode, to avoid unnecessary distractions.
“We are sure that the Sharks will make the state proud, because the preparation is quite early, besides, all the past mistakes made after topping the league up to week ten has been corrected” He stated.
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.