Sports
Hoopers Bank On D’Tigers’ Star At BAL
Rivers Hoopers coach, Ogor Odaudu, is confident the experience of D’Tigers point guard, Ben Uzoh, will see them go far at the maiden Basketball African League, which holds in Kigali, the Rwandan capital, from May 16 to 30.
Hoopers, Nigeria’s sole campaigners will face Rwanda’s Patriots, Gendarmerie Nationale of Madagascar, and U.S. Monastir of Tunisia in Group A of the competition.
The Port Harcourt-based side side engaged the services of Uzoh, a national team veteran and a former NBA star with Toronto Raptors, Brooklyn Nets and the Cleveland Cavaliers.
“A point guard is the heart of the team and that was why we brought in Ben because he has a lot of experience and he is in a very stable place. So, in the point guard position we now have stability, which we’ve not had in a long time,” Odaudu told Tidesports source.
Hoppers, who camped in Lagos, arrived in Kigali Monday, ahead of the competition, which begins May 16.
“We are about as prepared as we can be, even though we still have as more days before the competition in Kigali to practise and get all our acts together.
“But I think we’ve prepared really well, the overseas-based players have come in, they like the group and are enjoying themselves, they have a lot of value they can bring to this team. We just want to go out there and do what we know how to do best.
“Height has been one of the issues we’ve had going into competitions. We’ve had Victor Koku as our biggest man and he’s been trying to play defence against seven footers, so we decided to bring in a big player to come help us in that department.”
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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