Sports
Elowu Emerges Winner Of Odiokwu Unity Cup
Elowu FC has emerged winners of the first edition of Odiokwu Unity Football Cup Competition, in Ahoada West Local Government Area, Rivers State.
The final match which was played on Tuesday, saw Elowu beat Unakala, both in Odiokwu Community 2-1 in a keenly contested game, that witnessed huge crowd at Community Primary School field, Odiokwu.
The occassion was used to launch Waza Football Academy, for the area, the ceremony was performed by former Chairman of Caretaker Committee, Ahoada West Local Government Area, Hon. Ikechukwu Obuzor.
Hon. Obuzor said the vision of the academy was to raise future Super Eagles players from the rural areas of this country.
“We know that several children in this country have talents and so we, in the Waza organisation, based in the United States of America (USA), have set out to identify and train them through proper football coaching and academic studies, from ages three to 17 years.
We will also link the promising young ones to professional clubs in the United States and Europe.
I am borrowing a leaf off the Wike Book of Achievements by starting the Waza Football Academy in the village.
I and the Chairman of Community Deve-lopment Committee (CDC) of Odiokwu would make sure the next edition is improved”, he said.
Earlier in his address, the Youth President of Odiokwu Community in Ahoada West LGA, Comrade Kenneth expressed appreciation to all the teams that participated.
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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