Sports
Eguma Attributes Home Loss To Fatigue
The Technical Manager of Rivers United Football Club of Port Harcourt, Stanley Eguma, has attributed the 1-2 home loss against Wikki Tourist due to fatigue on the players, occasioned by long travels for away games.
He expressed optimism that the technical crew will restore the players’ confidence in the team before the next match.
Eguma, said this on Sunday, while briefing sports journalists at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium, Port Harcourt, after the loss to their visitors in week 11 match of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).
“We prepared for the game but the early two goals we conceded demoralised the team.
For the past two weeks we have been travelling long distances for away matches and there is no time for the players to rest” Eguma said.
He frowned at the unimpressive officiating, as the referee disallowed what he considered to be good goal and also ignored two offences in the 18 yard box that worth penalty.
According to him, the technical crew will go back to the drawing board to correct the grey areas.
Rivers United have played 11 matches, won three, drew four, lost four, scored eight and conceded 11 goals, presently sitting on nine position on the log with 13 points.
Also speaking shortly after the match, the technical adviser of Wikki Tourists, Aliyu Zuberu, said their victory was due to hard work.
“We understand the host has a strong side. We put in our best in the match and our dream was actualised.
He noted that his team was good at away matches, but most times we lost after putting impressive performances.
Kiadum Edookor
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.