Sports
Players’ Return Excites Coach
The Anambra Warriors’ helmsman is delighted with the return of some of his key players which he assured will help them against the Ikoh Allah Boys FC Ifeanyi Ubah coach, Yaw Preko believes that the return of five of his players will be major boost as they file out against Niger Tornadoes this weekend in another league tie.
Godwin Obaje who is the team’s highest scorer with 12 goals, Chijioke Alaekwe, Pascal Seka, Prince Aggrey and the two players in the CHAN Eagles’ team, Stephen Eze and Ikechukwu Ezenwa missed out of the Anambra Warriors’ 1-0 victory over Akwa United but are back in contention for the Sunday’s clash in Lokoja.
“I had some injury worries and some other complaints before the game with Akwa United. Obaje was suspended after accumulating five yellow cards while Chijioke and Pascal did not feel too well and were rested. We had two of our players that were in the Eagles’ game with Benin Republic last weekend. Aggrey was not also available too. This no doubt depleted our squad but the remaining players got the job done even though it was not easy against Akwa United,” Preko said.
“The three points against Akwa United was massive and the arrival of the five players I mentioned missed our last game will boost our confidence as we prepare for the match with Tornadoes this weekend. We need a positive result in Lokoja to close in on the top three because it is our determination to end the season in a continental spot position.
“Tornadoes are no easy opponents because their results at home have been very good but I believe that the inclusion of some of our regulars who didn’t make the last game will ensure we are more competitive in Lokoja,” he further expressed.
FC Ifeanyiubah are fifth in the league table with 53 points from 35 matches.
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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