Sports
BHS Old Boys Play Stella Maris, Today
As part of activities marking the 70th anniversary of the Baptist High School (BHS) Old Boys Association, a novelty football match will be played between Stella Maris and BHS old boys at the Sharks Football Stadium, Port Harcourt, today.
The encounter which is scheduled to kick-off at 3pm is expected to promote unity amongst secondary schools in the old Port Harcourt Township.
The activities started on Monday with street procession, visit to charity homes and others.
The encounter is considered as a clash of the titans between fans and supporters of both schools and would no doubt bring back old memories.
The Rivers State Commissioner of Sports, Hon. Boma Iyaye, who is an old Boy of BHS would take the kick-off at the encounter.
Earlier, Chairman of the Baptist High School 70th Anniversary Planning Committee, Sir Jimmy Cooker and pioneer chairman of Youth Sports Federation of Nigeria (YSFON), Rivers State chapter, said that the novelty game is a step in the right direction.
Cooker stated that the novelty game will create a unique opportunity for sports lovers to re-unite, saying that he was very confident that BHS will make him proud at the end of the game.
Meanwhile, other events to be competed for include, walk race, 100 metres race, gymnastics, dance and tug-of-war contest between BHS and Rivers indigenes.
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.