Sports
CAF Confederation Cup: Enugu Fans Laud Ugwuanyi For Toll Free Match
Soccer fans in Enugu have applauded Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi for throwing the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium gate open for fans during Rangers International FC match against ASC Kara of Togo on Sunday.
A cross-section of the fans, operating under the auspices of Coal Camp Fans Club, made the commendation in an interview with newsmen in Enugu last Monday.
They said that the free toll was largely responsible for the massive support from the Rangers’ fans, which helped to boost the players’ confidence and morale.
Rangers defeated ASC Kara of Togo by 1-0 to reach the CAF Confederation Cup group stage.
The acting Chairman of the club, Emmanuel Umeadi, said that Ugwuanyi showed that he loves sports by exhibiting such generosity.
“Ugwuanyi did well by removing the toll in order to allow fans free entry into the stadium to support Rangers.
“Fans turnout was massive and it helped Rangers’ confidence and boosted their morale to withstand the visitors’ onslaught.
“The governor is a wonderful man and our prayer is that he should continue the good work,” Umeadi said.
He also commended Rangers’ coach for the victory, pointing out that “any tactics used to gain result is wonderful tactics.”
Another fan, Onyekwelu Okafor, expressed delight with the governor’s decision to remove the gate fee for fans to watch the Rangers’ match.
“Rangers is a big club and they did well in the 1st leg of the competition away from home and finished the job here at home.
“The match tactics of the coach was fine and we believe with our prayers and support the team will qualify from the group stage.
“Let the governor do more because with his full support, Rangers can go far in the competition and premier league,” Onyekwelu said.
Also, Chinedu Nnadi, another fan, expressed joy at the victory and commended the coach for the tactics he adopted to win the match.
He noted:“Our club will like the governor to issue a standing directive for us to watch Rangers home matches toll free”.
It would be recalled that the first leg of the competition ended 2-1 in favour of ASC of Togo in Lome.
Rangers qualified for the group stage of the competition by virtue of an away goal, following a 2-2 goals aggregate.
Rangers’ lone goal of the second leg was scored by Chinonso Eziekwe.
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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