Sports
FCT SWAN,Naija Ratels’ Novelty Match Ends In Stalemate
The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) FCT chapter, at the weekend held Naija Ratels FC to a 2-2 draw at the fund raising novelty match held at Area 3 football pitch, Abuja.
The match organised by Ratels Sports Foundation was aimed at supporting the girl-child school campaign.
Naija Ratels FC, a Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Championship club-side is one of the few clubs in the league creating awareness against poverty, discrimination and exploitations of out-of-school girls.
President of the Sports Foundation as well as Naija Ratels club, Paul Edeh, said the aim of initiating the club was to contribute to the well-being of the girl-child.
“The idea of forming Naija Ratels in the first place was not mainly to have a female football club but to make a mark in giving back to the girl child.
“We realised that not all of them can be lawyers, not all can go to school or have a formal education. So, we thought that a football club would be an avenue for them to express their God-given talents.
“Today, we are here to highlight the need to educate the girl child. That is why we are playing this match against FCT SWAN,” Edeh said.
On his part, FCT SWAN chairman,Ndubueze Chidoka, lauded the efforts of the foundation while encouraging members to engage in sporting activities.
“It is good for us to keep fit. This era of people slumping and fainting is not good for all,” Chidoka said, following the death of an FCT SWAN member, Segun Ogunjimi recently.
The president of Naija Ratels, Edeh, also donated the sum of N50,000 cash to the association as part of its support to the burial of the late journalist.
Meanwhile, the 70 minutes match saw Mercy Emmanuel of Naija Ratels open scoring in the 20th minute of play with Olawale Ayeni of Leadership Newspaper equalising, seven minutes later.
Second half resumed with Tobi Sangotola of Voice of Nigeria scoring to put the sports writers in the lead five minutes after resumption, while Nike Olonilua replied with another goal for the club-side, 17 minutes later.
The match ended in a 2-2 draw.
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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