Sports
Coach Attributes Premier League Promotion To Hard Work
Coach Ronke Saliu of Owena Kings has described her team’s success at the just-concluded National Division One Handball League in Benin City, Edo State, as a result of hard work rewarded by God.
The Akure-based team, at the weekend, regained promotion to the top-flight league at the end of the second-tier national division one league, which they won. The team was relegated at the end of the Prudent Energy Handball League in 2019.
En-route to playing in the premier league in May, Owena Kings edged out other strong contenders for the sole spot, garnering 18 points; the same points with second-placed Benue Buffaloes but finished ahead on goals difference.
Edo Dynamos came third with 16 points, Corrections Boys (fourth – 13 points), Kwara United (fifth – nine points), Borno Spiders (sixth – six points), Suleja Shooters (seventh – three points) and Mindscope Academy (eighth – no point).
Speaking to The Tidesport source, yesterday, an excited Saliu thanked God, who, crowned their effort with success.
“I am very happy for the promotion… it was not easy to gain promotion back to top-flight handball after being relegated in 2019.
“To me, the accomplishment was God’s doing. It was not by anybody’s power because God rewards worthy effort. We really trained hard for the championship and this is the result; the secret behind our success,” she said.
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.