Sports
Plateau United, Worthy Champions Of NPFL – MFM’s Coach
With the crowing of Plateau United as the 2016/2017 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) champions on the last day of the competition, Lagos-Based MFM FC Coach, Fidelis Illechukwu, says the Jos-based team players are worthy champions.
Tidesports source gathered that a last gap win for the Kennedy Boboye-tutored side against Rangers International of Enugu at the Rwang Pam Stadium gave them the much sort after NPFL trophy.
The Peace Boys from Jos, first time winners of the NPFL, were able to beat the incumbent champions Enugu Rangers 2-0 at the weekend with goals from Emeka Umeh and Benjamin Turba.
The Jos team needed the win so as to keep off the trailing MFM who are leading by only one point and any slip would have gifted the Olukoya Boys the trophy.
However, MFM on the other hand were handed a 1-2 defeat by Laddan Bosso-tutored El Kanemi Warriors of Maiduguri in the Match Day 38 encounter.
MFM gaffer Illechukwu, in an interview with newsmen said that the Kennedy Boys were worthy champions of the league.
“They are worthy champions and we congratulate them for their feat, they worked for the crown and it is theirs.
“We also have the same ambition but it was for now, maybe next time we will try,” he said.
Also, MFM Spokesman, Olawale Quadri, described the 2016/2017 season as great, adding that the team had accomplished its target.
“For us it is a great season because nobody gave us the chance and at the end of the day we are able to secure a continental ticket.
“We are excited getting the ticket and we promise Lagos fans a lot of surprises. For the continental ticket, we will ensure that we do well to please our fans.
“The management has promised to recruit more experienced players to prosecute the continental campaign and challenge well, I believe we will be good representatives in the continental campaign next season.
“Ultimately, recruitment of new players will be the major task ahead of the team management for now,” he said.
According to Tidesports source, Plateau United wrapped up the last day match with a win which earned them the NPFL trophy with 66 points, while MFM came second with 62 points.
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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