Sports
Grassroots Football Wants Sponsorship In Rivers – Coach
The Head Coach of Real Over Comes Football Academy (ROCFA) in Okrika Local Government Area of Rivers State, Ere Joe, has said that grassroots football needs sponsorship in Rivers State.
He stated that one of the reasons why the State was not doing well in age grade football was that grassroots football lacked sponsorship.
He explained that grassroots football was the basis of the sport in everywhere in the world, but when it came to sponsorship our elites were not doing the needful.
Joe, made the statement at the weekend in an exclusive interview with Tidesports, shortly after his boys(players) trashed Future Kings academy of Port Harcourt, 5-1 at the ongoing The Kings U-13 football competition at the number six field old Port Harcourt Township.
“The kids are ready to be exposed in the game but no assistance at the grassroots level,” Joe said.
He praised the performance of his boys saying that, football was all about listening to information and instructions from the coach.
“As a player, once you obey your coach’s instructions, you will play better, today I think they have done well but they need to do more for them to progress in the tournament.
“I have been coaching this crop of players for the past five years.
“We teach them how to be discipline in football.
“With their performance in training, if they perfected it in their games, I think they will make me smile in the tournament” he explained.
The Okrika born tactician further disclosed that he was working on the kids to break the jinx of what other players usually faced in terms of difficulties to have a club in the state to play for.
“ I think they are doing so well, but it is not easy to work with human beings, because mistakes are bound to happen but the important thing is to correct them fast and move forward,” he noted.
He commended the organisers of the tournament, saying that the competition will expose many of the boys.
By: Kiadum Edookor
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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