Sports
Sharks’ Striker Dedicates Victory To Wike
Sharks FC player, Chris
tian Pyagbara has dedicated the team’s 1-0 away victory against Kwara United to Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike.
Pyagbara said this shortly after the team’s victory against it’s opponent.
According to him, the goal was dedicated to Governor Wike for the recent payment of salaries owed the club for the 2013/2014 soccer season.
He added that it was the development that motivated them to fight and earn their first away victory of the season.
He promised that Sharks FC will not be relegated at the end of the season.
My brother, I am very happy scoring the only goal of the match, at least we can now heave a sign of relief because, Sharks is no longer at the bottom of the league and by His grace we will not return there.
“Let me on behalf of my team, dedicate our first away win of the season to our sports loving Governor, Barr. Nyesom Wike, who did not only effect payment of back log of salaries but also, acknowledged that government is still owing us sign-on fees for 2013/2014 season even though he was not the Governor then”, Pyagbara said.
He however, promised that the team will continue to work hard in order to remain in the elite league.
I want to assure His Excellency that we will still be in the elite league because that is the only way we can encourage him to do more for the team.
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.