Sports
Rivers Coach Makes Case For Grassroots Football
The Head Coach of Port Harcourt United FC ,Eyabo Eyabo, has said that if proper attention is given to grassroots football in Rivers State, it will cut off youth restiveness and help to provide job opportunities in the state.
He said that, investing in grassroots football, is one of the lucrative business which ex- professional should do, rather than investing in oil business without engaging in grooming young ones to replace them in the future.
Eyabo who is popular called “Yaro – Yaro” made this assertion in a chat with Tidesports at the weekend, during a grassroots football match in Port Harcourt.
According to him, many pioneer footballers neglected to impact the youth by organising tournaments, adding that, if the young stars are well motivated in the sport, they will improve in their chosen career and, as well keep them away from social vices.
“ Actually I don’t subscribed to government coming into sponsoring sporting activities.
Football should be left in the hands of cooperate bodies, meaningful individuals and philanthropist who are interested in the game.
They should come and invest into this young potential, because there is so much to gain in football industry.
It is a glorious business that when you invest, you stand to reap bountifully.
But our people here didn’t understand the importance of investing in the grassroots rather they are looking at the immediate gain, that is while they want into oil business or any other business that will gave them immediately return,” Eyabo narrated.
He further explained that, if proper attention is given to football in the grassroots in the state it will bring greater development in the state and beyond.
“ It will also help in providing job opportunities as they grow in the sport.
If the youth are engaged in playing football they are going to benefit other meaningful things in the society.
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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