Sports
Delta Principals’ Cup: CEO Reiterates Commitment To Dev Host Communities
The CEO Of Zenith Bank, Ebenezer Oyeagwu, has said that the bank is committed to furthering the economic, cultural and social development of host communities, particularly, through community-based initiatives and philanthropy.
Speaking during the finals of the tournament, Tuesday, the CEO who was ably represented by the Group Zonal Head, Zenith Bank PLC, Lucky Ighade, said that the Principal Cup had created the required platform for the players to compete fiercely at higher level.
According to him, the skills demonstrated by these young lads are very impressive, saying that a total of 376 public and private secondary schools participated in this edition of the competition, and they are proud of the turnout.
“Our profound appreciation goes to the state government, under the leadership of His Excellency, Senator Ifeanyi. Okowa, for creating the enabling environment for us to thrive and anchor this sports initiative,” Ighade said.
Warri-based College of Commerce made history Wednesday, at the fight to retain the annual Zenith Bank/Delta Principals’ Cup after a 5-3 penalty shoot-out win against Osadenis Mixed School at the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba.
Tidesports source reports that the game was watched by dignitaries including the state’s Executive Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa.
From the outset, College of Commerce took the game to their opponent but failed to make their pressure count throughout regulation time leading to a straight shootout between the two sides.
Meanwhile, Orido David, in goal for College of Commerce, was the hero after saving Ewa Victor’s penalty before wrapping it up with the final kick to lead his side to a back-to-back victory
Earlier in the day, Alaka Grammar School, Ozoro defeated Ovwor Mixed Secondary School, Ovwor, 3-2 in the third place match.
By: Nancy Briggs
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.