Sports
AITEO Cup:Eguma Confident Of Beating Kwara Utd, Today
Rivers United FC coach, Stanley Eguma has expressed optimism that his side will defeat Kwara United in the second match of Aiteo cup round of 16 group game holding in Lagos.
Speaking in a telephone interview with Tidesports yesterday, Eguma said that his team has learnt from the mistakes in their previous group game against Kano Pillars.
“We are hoping that in our next game against Kwara United we will come out and correct the mistakes and bounce back. We can still make it out of the group with 6 points,” he stated.
Eguma expressed belief that his team are capable of inflicting defeats to Kwara United and Abia Warriors.
The gaffer equally said that his United team can still qualify in the group although it would be more difficult since they have lost three points already,but that they are well prepared for today’s showdown.
Rivers united lost their first match in the group against fellow Nigeria Professional Football League(NPFL) side Kano pillars 3-2 on Monday,so today’s match is a must win one.
The result sees Kwara United topping on goals difference,with Pillars in second position ,while Rivers United and Abia Warriors occupy the third and fourth position respectively.
Rivers United play Kwara United today,while Kano Pillars lock horns with Abia Warriors in the other group game.
Femi Akinyemi
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.