Sports
Anaemena Explains Rivers United’s Move
Enyimba centre-back, Ifeanyi Anaemena has explained the reason behind his decision to leave Enyimba for league rivals Rivers United.
The defender was unveiled on Tuesday alongside goalkeeper and former Enyimba teammate Theophilus Afelokhai as Rivers United’s latest acquisitions in an epic move that generated ripples across the country.
But he said to Tidesports source in an interview that much as he loved playing for Enyimba who gave him his first taste of topflight football as a 24-year-old, he felt his time at the club had run its course and it was time for him to make a move and gain other new challenges.
“I can say that my experience in Aba, my stay there for the first few seasons were good memories, a very exciting one, and they also brought me to the top flight of the game,”
“I’ve been at Enyimba since 2014, and it’s a privilege for me to be reckoned as one of the legends in the team. And having contributed my quota so far, and I so much appreciate the team, I love the team, when I’m playing for Enyimba I’m always (passionate), determined, focused, playing as if the team was owned by my father. But then, I know that there is always room for change.
“When it is time in football for you to move, you have to move, because you don’t know, you can never tell what the situation would be. So, I’ve contributed my quota and I think it’s time for me to move on.”
“It’s true that a lot of fans will be happy for my movement, for my move to Rivers United. Some will feel disappointed that I shouldn’t have left Enyimba, knowing that I’m the captain of the team,” he said.
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.