Sports
Budweiser Game of Kings: Playing With Terry, Carlos, A Boost – Ezenwa
Nigerian top-flight stars will be lifted having played alongside the England and Brazil greats, according to the Nigeria international.
Nigeria Professional Football League players will have the confidence that they can play at the highest level having featured alongside John Terry and Roberto Carlos, according to IkechukwuEzenwa.
Thanks to their ‘Budweiser Game of Kings’ campaign, the premium beer brand flew the decorated players to the West African country to engage in a novelty match alongside the best players in the Nigerian top flight.
Tidesports source reports that the game staged at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena saw Carlos’ Smooth FC overcome Kings FC, led by Chelsea and England Legend, Terry, on penalties after it finished 0-0 after full-time.
Although Ezenwa’s team ended on the losing side, he revelled in participating in the historic match, while disclosing what that means to him and his colleagues.
“Playing in the same team as John Terry and having me control him as my defender is awesome. I also feel honoured playing against Roberto Carlos,” the Nigeria international goalkeeper said.
“It is one story that I’m going to tell my kids about how I played with a legend that has won the FIFA World Cup.
“Also, this list is a morale booster for my colleagues in the Nigeria Professional Football League. This will give them the belief that they can play up to the highest level in football.
“I must give a big thanks to Budweiser for this opportunity and a great event.
“I have been down with injury for the past three months, now, I am 100 per cent fit, this is an atmosphere to show that Ezenwa is back and looking forward to a fruitful career.”
Marketing Director, International Breweries Plc, TolulopeAdedeji, had explained that Budweiser sought to give millions of fans who double as beer lovers in Nigeria a unique experience that will stay with them for a long time.
“As a brand that has always supported football, one of the favourite pastimes of many Nigerians, Budweiser is offering a rare experience to thrill its teeming consumers,” she added.
“With the Budweiser Game of Kings Campaign, we are bringing two international football Kings, John Terry and Roberto Carlos, who have a huge fan base here in Nigeria.
“And the idea is not just to have them over for a “meet and greet. Rather, Nigerians will actually watch them play football live with some of our domestic league players.”
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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