Sports
Rivers Utd Must Emerge Champions Next Season – Ezeji
Rivers United must win the
Nigeria Professional Football League next season, if they are to repay the gesture of the Rivers State Government which went on to organize a state reception to honour the team despite finishing second in the just concluded league season.
Formers Sharks FC and Dolphins Football Club hitman, Victor Ezeji who spoke in Port Harcourt, said that winning the league would be the only way to repay the state government for its gesture towards the club which also saw players and officials pick up cash gifts and awards from the state government.
Ezeji acknowledge the state’s government monetary reward and hosting of the team to a dinner was surprising and sees it as nothing but a charge for the team to do better, as second place has never been rewarded in the state previously.
“This is the first time in the history of Rivers State that a team comes out second and there is a reception for them” he said.
“I can remember vividly in 2005 we (Dolphins FC) came out second on the continent, that’s talking about the CAF Confederations Cup and nothing of such happened.
“For a team to have come out second and the state government came out to say you guys have done well, I think they are just trying to encourage them to do more” he added.
Ezeji said Rivers United has been left no choice but to emerge champions of the league or at least win laurels in the next season.
“The players too should in turn know that in life to whom so ever much is given, much is also expected.
“In as much as the Rivers state government has gone on to splash real money on them for coming out second they should do all they can to come out first next time.
“I think what the Rivers state government has done is the height of encouragement for these boys, it is the height of motivation. They have to go all out, no excuses whatsoever, to doing well in the next season.”
Asides United Coach, Stanley Eguma, who was given one million naira, players of Rivers United received five hundred thousand naira each and the club has been promised a training tour in Madrid, Spain by the state Governor ahead of next season’s CAF Champions League.
Also, Ezeji who only recently announced his intention to stage a testimonial match after a 20 year playing career, (which included spells at Sharks and Dolphins) expressed gratitude to the Rivers State Government for its pledged support of his upcoming testimonial.
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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