Sports
PH Polo Club Plans Mega Golden Jubille Tourney
The Port Harcourt Polo Club is planning a mega tournament for its 2022 annual competition to mark its golden jubilee, 50 years of existence. The tournament tagged Port Harcourt Polo Club Golden Jubilee Tournament is being scheduled to hold from January 8-15,2022 in Port Harcourt.
This was made known to newsmen by the President of the club, Engr Chukwudi Dimkpa, during a media chat on Wednesday. According to him, the 50th anniversary tournament is going to be big, attractive and well organized to bring the game of Polo, entertainment, revenue and tourism to Rivers people and beyond.
In fact, the one week tournament will have the best of the best in activities that would not only show-case Polo to the world, but the cultural heritage of Rivers people.
Engr Dimkpa disclosed that more than 15 very good teams from across the world, including Argentina, UAE, Nigeria and other private firms would be part of the tournament.
Also, some new innovations, including a beginner’s tournament, which is designed to encourage beginners to play the game, maiden OB Lulu Briggs Cup and Cookey-Gam Cup would be part of competitions at the event.
The President stated that renowned artistes world-wide were being put in line to thrill the crowd throughout the tournament, especially in a mega opening and closing ceremonies. He subsequently called on the people of the state, sports lovers, business and corporate communities to identify with and be part of the tournament.
He opined that the tournament, if taken advantage of would provide business opportunities to small and medium scale business people and corporate organisations within and around the state.
However, in view of the prevailing Covid-19 pandemic, the Polo tournament and all activities at the club are to be in strict adherence to protocols aimed at combating and stopping the spread of the pandemic.
The President said that the club took Covid-19 issues seriously and adhere to existing protocols, which have seen them vaccinating more than 80per cent of staff and members.
He added that the club under his watch wanted to make Polo and itself more excising and to shake Port Harcourt and South-South and make the club the envy of all.
By: Gabriel Nwanetanya
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.