Sports
Itoya Dumps Rivers United For Rangers
Enugu Rangers new signing, Kelvin Itoya, has revealed why he backed out of a proposed move to Rivers United.
Before the start of the season, the former Warri Wolves winger was on the verge of joining Stanley Eguma’s side but was keen on a move abroad; a deal that failed to materialise.
And on his return to the country, Itoya has chosen to team up with the Nigerian champions ahead of the CAF Confederation Cup campaigners.
“As a matter of fact, I wasn’t in the country during the first round of the season, I sought greener pasture but it didn’t go as planned so I had to make a return back to the NPFL,” Itoya told Goal.
“When I returned, my first point of call was the club I had an understanding with before the season started, Rivers United but one or two things happened and they couldn’t take me in.
“So I had to make a switch to Rangers.
“As I talk to you I am happy here in Enugu, I’m already a Rangers player and I’m looking forward to greater things and by the grace of God we shall see how the season goes,” he continued.
On how well he has settled into the Enugu side, Itoya reveals: “In the NPFL we players do meet, we discuss after games, we laugh, we go to each other hotel and we share ideas.
“I’ve played against Rangers for four seasons now. So most of the players know me, it was a quick fix for me as I’ve settled in well.
“I am delighted to do what I know how to do best which is playing football and scoring goals.”
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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