Sports
Kano Pillars To Redeem Image Against Road Safety
The Sai Masu Gida defender has implored his teammates to make mincemeat of their next opponents in a test game, Road Safety for their fans
Kano Pillars’ Jimoh Ismail has implored his teammates to use Friday’s friendly fixture to warm themselves back into the hearts of their fans.
Sai Masu Gida were beaten 3-1 by Kaduna United about two weeks ago in their last test game organised in honour of the chairman, Kano Football Association, Sharif Inuwa.
A message from the media department of the former league champions hinted that the game would be played at the Sani Abacha Stadium, Kofarmata, Kano.
Reacting to their Friday fixture with the Abuja based Road Safety, Kano Pillars central defender, Jimoh Ismail said that they see the game as an ideal test for them and that they are ready for the game.
He said there were so many things that led to their loss to Kaduna United but that their fans should expect renewed Pillars on Friday because they do not have any issue to worry about again.
“We shall play against the Road Safety team on Friday and we are looking forward to the game because we want to use it to change our fans’ impression of us,” Ismail told Goal.
“We have actually played some matches against academies in Kano but we have not played any high profile game since our defeat to Kaduna United. We are hopeful of a better performance that will endear our fans back to us.
“Pillars are set to reclaim their lost pride and a good mid-season build-up will help us achieve that. We started the season very well before some poor results threatened our season. We have managed to put ourselves back in reckoning before the break.”
Ismail who joined Pillars from Heartland of Owerri during the mid-season transfer says he expects them to have the support of their fans back after the game with Road Safety.
“Our fans were not happy with the way we lost to Kaduna United and they will need a good performance from us against Road Safety to clear their doubts,” he continued.
“We are set to put back smiles on their faces. We shall do our very best to come up with a complete performance,” he said.
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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