Sports
NPFL: Rivers Utd, Pillars In Titanic Clash In PH
Barely three days after overcoming AS Real Bamako of Mali in the preliminary round of the CAF Champions league to progress to the first round, Rivers United FC of Port Harcourt will today be involved in another testing tie in their bid to achieve glory on different fronts this season.
Today, at the same Yakubu Gowon Stadium, where the Malians were trounced 4-0, one of the leading teams in the domestic scene, Kano Pillars FC will present another challenge for the pride of Rivers.
The encounter is one of the week nine fixtures of the 2017 league season that was rescheduled due to United’s Continental engagement last weekend.
It will certainly be a block buster at the venue as both United and Pillars are heavy weights in the NPFL. Pillars have always proved a hard nut to crack but with the mood in Rivers United camp, especially, after the comprehensive annihilation of their continental opponents on Sunday, it will take some efforts from the visitors to keep them in check.
As usual, coach Stanley Eguma would set up his team to go all out for the maximum points at stake, knowning that it is only victory that would sustain early efforts to be among the frontliners this season.
Interestingly, with the display of the Festus Austin led United last Sunday, particularly, the effervescent Bernard Ovoke, Mercurial Eseosa Igbinoba and hard working Gabriel Olalekan among others, Kano Pillars will certainly have their hands full in the tie.
However, United must be on their toes as the visitors posses the quality to hurt them.
The match promises to be one of the games of the season and fans are expected to thong the revenue and behold a potentially exciting spectre.
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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