Sports
CAF Confed Cup: Rivers United Awaits CAF On Celtic Return Leg
The second leg of the CAF Confederation Cup first round match between Rivers United of Nigeria and the Bloemfontein Celtics of South Africa initially scheduled for the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, Port Harcourt, today is up in the air as the visitors, expected to have arrived Port Harcourt yesterday could not enter the country.
The South Africans, Tidesports learnt, were denied immediate entry into Nigeria owing to the heavy prevalence of the second strain of the rampaging Coronavirus in their country. Following travel restrictions and health guidelines put in place by Nigerian authorities as a result of the COVID, travellers from certain countries, particularly, South Africa are expected to be quarantined for seven days on arrival before having access to the cities. But the South Africans were asking for a waiver, which government authorities did not oblige them.
In a chat with the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Sports, Rivers State, Sir Honour Sirawoo, he said, that the State government and team were ready to host the game as match officials had arrived Port Harcourt and quartered, unfortunately, the state government could not afford to toy with the health and safety of the people and should accept the position of the country on the matter.
According to him, the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, had already written to the Confederation of African Football, CAF, intimating them of the situation, especially, the Nigerian policy and requesting for a postponement or rescheduling to a nearby country that has no such a stringent measure against travellers from South Africa.
“The Rivers State Government cannot do otherwise or breach the guidelines put in place for national health and safety reasons. For us, we’re ready, anytime they agree or reschedule the game, we’ll play and we are sure we’ll win.
“The problem is not our problem, it’s not our own making. We only hope that CAF would respect the position of Nigeria and take decisions with the interest of all concerned at heart”, said Sir Sirawoo.
He, however regretted the effect the development may have on Rivers United players, who have been eager to confront the Celtics and finish the job they started in the first leg. “The players would definitely not be happy with the uncertainty. You know that we recruited well and they are focused to do well on the continent, the spirit of the boys may be dampened a bit,” he said.
It would be recalled that Rivers United smashed Bloemfontein Celtics 0 -2 away in the first leg, reducing the return leg to almost a formality.
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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