Sports
Rivers United To Petition NFF, LMC Over Position
Rivers United Football Club of Port Harcourt has threatened to petition Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and League Management Company (LMC) to CAF and FIFA, following what the club perceived as unfair treatment.
LMC at the weekend published on its website the 2019/2020 Nigeria Professional Football League NPFL final table, that saw United occupied third position, against its second place, after NFF and LMC applied Points Per Game (PPG) model.
The NPFL was stopped aprutly occasioned by the novel Coronavirus ( Covid 19) with 13 matches to end the season.
Management of the Port Harcourt, headed by Okey Kpalukwu, is not comfortable with the third place, saying that they need proper explanation and the formula used for Enyimba of Aba to occupy second position.
This was contained in a statement signed by the General Manager of the club, Okey Kpalukwu, made available to Tidesports yesterday.
According to the statement, it is obvious that United is on second position and amount of false narratives will deceive those who should know.
“We may be compelled to explore all legitimate means available, including formal petition to CAF, FIFA, CAS to ventilate our grievances and press for justice” Kpalukwu said.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with the captain of the club, Festus Austin, yesterday, in Port Harcourt, he said the decision taken by LMC is unjust and biased.
He explained that there are no possibilities that Enymba will beat United home and away, saying that the formula used to place Enyimba on second position is still in misery.
“What I discovered here is high level of foul play and favoritism in LMC. I also understand that before this final table came out LMC and NFF have already sent names of clubs that will compete in various competitions to CAF” Austin said.
Before the League stopped unplanned League leaders Plateu United has played 25, with 49 points, Rivers United played 25, with 45points; Lobi Stars played 23, with 43 points, Rangers FC, played 23, with 37 points, while Enyimba played 20, with 36 points.
By: 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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