Sports
Tornadoes’ Coach Attributes Loss To Sluggish Attack
Head Coach of Niger Tornadoes, Abubakar Bala says his players’ sluggish attack cost them their Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) midweek encounter against Abia Warriors in Umuahia.
Tidesports gathered that Niger Tornadoes lost 0-1 to Abia Warriors on Wednesday in Umuahia in the Match Day 11 fixture.
Bala, Technical Adviser of the Minna based side, told newsmen that had his players taken advantage of the many counter attacks they had, the story would have been different.
“The players also did not react quickly to the rebound that offered itself after a spot kick which Abia Warriors striker capitalised on to score the match’s lone goal.
“Godwin Zaki’s 16th minute penalty rebound that was punched away by our goalkeeper, Mustapha Aliko, went toward Anthony Okemmiri, who reacted quickly to give Abia Warriors the most wanted win.’’
He said that there was plan to work on his side’s counter attack, while commending the players for their hard work throughout the game and for adhering to instructions.
The coach said that there was no cause to worry about the inability of his strikers to score in recent matches.
He said that he was building a team in which all the players would be able to score goals.
“I don’t want to build my team around selected strikers or players, I want a team where every player can score even the defenders,’’ he said.
He said that if given the opportunity, he would build a team that would stay together for three years and also win the NPFL.
“The team has been improving with each game; if this team can stay together for three years, then their quality will not be hidden,’’ he said.
He added that the players had put the game behind them and were focusing on training to win the match against visiting Nasarawa United in Lokoja on Sunday.
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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