Sports
Players Commend Zenith Bank Over Basketball Sponsorship
A cross-section of players participating in the 13th edition of the Zenith Bank Women Basketball League has commended Zenith Bank for consistently sponsoring the competition.
The players told Tidesports source in separate interviews in Abuja that the league has enabled them to improve their game, develop more skills and practise harder.
Captain of First Bank club of Lagos, Chioma Udeaja, praised the efforts of the bank for keeping the league alive.
“The league is improving every year because more teams are becoming stronger and the game getting tougher.
“So, I really appreciate Zenith Bank for their efforts so far, for keeping the spirit of the game in the minds of our women.
“We urge them to do more and we call for more sponsors to feature in the league, ” Udeaja said.
Chinwe Okah of AHIP Queens of Kano said the bank has kept players on their toes.
“The bank has kept us (players) on our toes through this league, because every year we look forward to facing new challenges and creating a target for ourselves.
“This way we work and train harder. I think the bank should be applauded for their efforts in the growth of the game in the country ” she said.
Esther Igben of Delta Force said: “The bank has helped to create a platform for me to play my best sport.
“The bank has helped to sustain the leaguebank, are happy that they are consistent and we pray that they will continue to do more for us”.
Blessing Egwah of Nasarawa Amazons, just as other players appreciated the bank, also called on corporate bodies to assist in sponsoring the game.
Tidesports reportss that 18 teams are currently participating in the phase one of the league holding at the National Stadium in Abuja.
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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