Sports
Gov, Others Commend Rangers For Lifting AITEO Cup
Ebonyi, State Governor, David Umahi and other soccer fans in the state yesterday congratulated Enugu Rangers FC for winning the 2018 AITEO Cup (formerly known as Challenge Cup).
Umahi, who spoke through his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Emmanuel Uzor, said the victory, which he described as lovely, was for all Igbo citizens.
The governor, who is the Chairman, South-East Governors’ Forum noted that the cancelling of a three-goal deficit by Rangers had further rejuvenated the fighting spirit of the Igbos.
The Tidesports source reports that Rangers defeated Kano Pillars FC, 4-2 on penalties after cancelling Pillars 3-0 lead in the final played at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba on Wednesday.
The victory, which is Rangers sixth triumph in the 73-year-old competition, saw the club going home with N25 million prize.
Rangers, which last won the cup in 1983, will represent the country in the 2019 CAF Confederation Cup final.
Umahi said: “Such fighting spirit has propelled the Igbos to excel in various endeavours.
“The victory testifies that they have bounced back to their rightful place in the nation’s polity,” he said.
Umahi urged the team not to be complacent but approach future challenges, especially in the CAF confederation cup, with utmost dedication, to make the zone proud.
“I, however, promise Ebonyi soccer fans that such news would soon emanate from the state as its teams would be participating once again in national football competitions.
“Our robust grassroots sport development policies would ensure that only talented and professionally-minded footballers are recruited into the teams.”
Mr Charles Akpuenika, the Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, also commended Rangers for the victory and urged their fans to continuously offer unwavering support to the club.
“Rangers is an institution in the Igbo race and this victory, coming after a long time, has brought tremendous joy and hope to the entire race.
“The disbandment of the two Ebonyi-owned football teams by the preceding government made fans lose touch of such fanfare but we assure that the teams will soon bounce back,.
This is courtesy of the sports-loving Gov. David Umahi,” he said.
James Nwaneri, a soccer historian and Rangers fan, said his joy knew no bounds with the victory having witnessed all the botched attempts by the team to win the cup since 1983.
“The 1990 final against the disbanded Stationery Stores of Lagos was most painful, because Rangers dominated the match but lost on penalty kicks.
Mrs Stella Ngwu, a businesswoman and an Enugu indigene, noted that the victory was a further confirmation of the luck attracted to the team by the Chief Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi-led administration.
“Under Ugwuanyi administration, Rangers won the Nigerian premier league in 2016 after its last triumph in 1984 and won the AITEO cup in 2018,”she 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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