Sports
Rivers Counts Gains Of Olympic Qualifier As RSG Gears For Sunday Qualifier
Ahead Sunday’s U-23 Olympic qualifying match between Nigeria and Congo, the Local Organising Committee (LOC) says the state will benefit hugely for hosting the game.
Already, it says everything has been put in place for a smooth match billed to be played in the 40,000-capacity Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in the Greater Port Harcourt City area in the next two days.
The Chairman of the LOC and former Commissioner for Sports in the state, Hon. Boma Iyaye, said the event will energise the state’s economy, attract visitors and boost tourism.
“Port Harcourt, indeed, Rivers State, has the capacity to continue to play frontline role in sports activities in Nigeria. We have done it before, we are ready to do it again. We, therefore, call on Rivers people and football lovers in the country to throng the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium”, he said.
According to him, there will be no gate charges, while gates will be open from 11am for spectators and fans.
He disclosed that free buses have been engaged to convey people to and from the match venue, just as he called on sports-loving people of the state to come out in their numbers to cheer the U-23 team to victory.
Responding to questions on the state of the pitch and facilities at the stadium, Iyaye disclosed that the condition of the pitch has been improved and that facilities are in good shape.
He lauded the state Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, for agreeing to host the match at a time many states are running away from shouldering extra financial burden due to the state of the economy.
Iyaye further commended the sports-loving governor for paying eight months’ salary arrears owed players of Sharks, Dolphins and Rivers Angels, saying the gesture shows that he is ready to encourage sports and talents development in the state.
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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