Sports
17 Teams For 2018 Bayelsa FA Cup
The Bayelsa State Government has said that no fewer than 17 clubs made up of 14 male and three female teams would be participating in the 2018 Bayelsa AITEO Federation Cup.
The Tidesports reports that AITEO, Oil Company operating in the country, including Bayelsa is the main sponsor of the football tournament.
The State Commissioner for Sports, Mr Perekiye Buruboyefe told sports writers in Yenagoa yesterday that the defending champions, George Turnah FC and finalists Bayelsa United were drawn bye in the men’s category.
On the fixtures, AITEO Nembe City would kick-off the tournament against Stars FC on Saturday.
Bayelsa United Feeders will tackle the 2017 Bayelsa State League champions, United FC of Okaka; Rich Destiny FC will lock horns with Amassoma United.
Harding FC will entertain coach Fekete’s Continental, while Oguan FC of Yenagoa will square up with Ijaw United of Yenagoa among others.
In the women’s category, Bayelsa Queens Feeder team will slug it out against Crystal, while Bayelsa Queens FC are on bye to face the winner of the Bayelsa Queens Feeders and Crystal in the final.
Buruboyefe said that a level playing field would be created for the best teams to be crowned champions of the tournament.
In the same vein, , Chairman of the State Football Association (FA), Mr Porbeni Ogun represented by the Vice-Chairman, Mr Laye Julius said the tournament was a welcome development.
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.