Sports
COAS Shooters Beat Delta Force In HandBall League
The relatively-experienced Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Shooters Handball Club, on Wednesday defeated debutants, Delta Force 34-25 in the female competition at the ongoing Prudent Energy Handball Premier League.
This victory has now taken COAS to 10 points from four matches while their Asaba-based opponents were left with five points from three matches.
Both teams appeared to be on the same level of strength when the game at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja started, but the difference soon became obvious
As the match progressed, the Delta Force players could do little to scare the very experienced COAS team.
Team Captain Samora Samuel did most of the damage, being very ruthless and dismantling the defence of her opponents.
She ensured her team built a huge wall to restrain their opponents and limit them to fewer goals.
Ten minutes to the end of the game, Delta Force Goalkeeper Rockson Eneziakpo was awarded a red card.
She had moved away from the nine metres arc to thwart a goalscoring opportunity, only to collide with an opponent.
As expected, Shooters snatched victory and Samuel is optimistic her team will compete favourably for the trophy.
“I keep encouraging my players on the need to be focused and for us to continue winning. Even if we are down in points, I try to encourage them not to relent.
“ If we maintain this momentum, we can win the league,” Samuel said.
On her part, Theodora Iyorger praised the performance of her team against a better side.
“This is the first time the players are playing in this league. They have shown strength and fought hard. I appreciate them.
“ We still have about eight matches more, but our aim is to remain in the league. I hope that we will be able to fight for it,” she said.
In some of the other matches played, Rima Strikers defeated Confluence Stars 32-27 while Benue Queens lost 16-28 to Imo Grasshoppers in the female category.
The league which has 12 male teams and 10 female teams in action began on October 31 and is expected to end on November 13.
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.