Sports
Nine Players To Represent Rivers In Tennis Championship
Nine tennis players of different categories in Rivers State have been invited to attend this year Chevron Junior Invitational Tennis Championship, slated to hold in Lagos.
The championship is to commence tomorrow through Sunday at the National Stadium, Surulere.
In a letter signed by the secretary of the organizers of the championship, International Tennis Academy, Godwin Kienka, said the competition is strictly by invitation.
According to him, players are expected to arrive today for accreditation and other formalities.
“Participation for the championship is strictly by invitation and no one who is not on the list will not be allowed to compete” Kienka said.
Speaking in an interview with the coordinator of Kodian Tennis Foundation (KTF), Stella Epegu, who is also the leader of team Rivers, said she is optimistic that her players will make the state proud.
According to her, the players are well prepared in terms of training.
“By His grace am sure we will make the state proud, we cannot come with empty hands” Epegu said.
Players invited in the Boys category under 16 are: David Dawrariye, Joshua Maxwell and Ken Pyagbara, in same category girls, Rebecca Ekpeyong and Ngowari Jim- jaja.
In under 12 category boys, Precious Ikueba and Praise Ikueba, while in same category girls, Favour Amaechi and Jamuti Mueke.
Tonye Orabere
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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