Sports
Kpalukwu Commends Wike For Invaluable Support To Rivers United
The General Manager of Rivers United Football Club, Chief Dr Okey Kpalukwu, has on behalf of the team commended the Executive Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency, Chief (Barr.) Nyesom Ezenwo Wike (CON, GSSRS, POS), for his unflinching support to the team.
Kpalukwu stated this at an event to mark the end of 2020/2021 season held at the team’s camp in Port Harcourt, where he specifically lauded Governor Wike for ensuring that the team lacked nothing in prosecuting the 2020/2021 football season.
According to him, “Let me on behalf of the management, players, technical crew, backroom staff and supporters of Rivers United thank our number one supporter, Governor Nyesom Wike for his pooptremendous support ensuring that we picked the ticket to represent Nigeria in CAF Champions League.
“I also want to thank the RiversState Commissioner for Sports, Barr. Boma Iyaye and the Permanent Secretary, Sir Honour Sirawoo for working tirelessly in ensuring that we achieved our set goals.
“Words will fail me to appreciate the Special Adviser to the Governor of Rivers State on Real Madrid Academy, Barr. Christopher Green for standing through thick and thin in our quest to achieving our objectives.
“I will also want to thank the NFF for restoring sanity to Nigeria’s football through the decision of the disciplinary committee.”
The Rivers United GM gave the assurances that the team will successfully represent Nigeria in the CAF Champions League and perform very well in the upcoming NPFL new season.
Meanwhile, players and officials have embarked on one week break which began from yesterday and are expected to resume preparation for the 2021/2022 season yesterday, August 15.
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.