Sports
Polytechnic Wins 2nd JAMB Football Tourney
Nuhu Bamali Polytechnic, Zaria, Kaduna State has emerged the champions of 2nd JAMB Higher Institutions Football competition in Ilorin.
Tidesports source reports that the boys from Zaria defeated University of Ilorin 3-2 on penalties after the regulation time had ended goalless last Saturday.
Both University of Ilorin and Nuhu Bamali Polytechnic converted their first kicks before the two sides missed the others.
University of Ilorin missed its second kick, Nuhu Bamali also missed, before the two sides converted their third kicks.
Nuhu Bamali scored its fourth kick, while University of Ilorin failed to convert its fourth and fifth kicks leaving the Zaria boys to go home with the N300,000 prize money.
Kwara State Polytechnic defeated Ekiti State University 1-0 in the third place match played earlier before the final match.
Nuhu Bamali defeated Kwara State Polytechnic 1-0 in the semi-finals to book a place in the final, while University of Ilorin thrashed Ekiti State university 2-0 en route to the final.
Tidesports source also gathered that Niger College of Education, Minna, Niger, won the first edition of the 16-institutions football competition which is sponsored by JAMB and supported by Kwara Government.
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.