Sports
Odibola Powers Mini Marathon In PH
Port Harcourt City, Rivers State and indeed, the South South region is set to witness a grand mini marathon as Odibola Global Services Limited powers a medium distance race for athletes in the state and beyond next month tagged, New Port Harcourt Mini Marathon. The race, being put together by Odibola Global Services in conjunction with Rivers state government and other brands is scheduled to hold on the 18th of next month and would be open to any interested runner.
Speaking at a Press briefing recently in Port Harcourt, the Managing Director of the organisation, Mr Regha Julius described the one-day event as the company’s gesture to give back to the society and help in the effort to identify, wean and throw up new athletes that can fly the flag of the state and country in future athletics competition.
According to Mr Julius,” the one day mini marathon is one of the many people oriented activities of Odibola Global Services, it’s one of our ways of giving back to the society and making people know that Rivers state is safe to live and do business in. People can come and invest in the state”
“We as a brand with focus on people always try to reach out, impact on the lives of people and improve the way businesses are conducted by engaging in activities geared toward improving the lives of people”, he added.
While answering questions, the Managing Director disclosed that the race would have two categories, male and female with One million naira prize money for each. The 21km race will commence and terminate at the Sharks FC Stadium.
He stated that they would be partnering with bodies such as Rivers State Sports Council, Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, Nigerian Civil and Security Defence Corps, NCSDC and Red Cross to make the marathon a success.
He promised that there would be a second edition of the race next year and that with the support of the state government, the New Port Harcourt Mini Marathon has come to stay.
It is expected that the Rivers state Sports Council would provide the technical assistance and equipment for the event, while the FRSC ensures effective management of the road and traffic, the NCSDC provides security and the Red Cross, the medical/health management to make the event hitch-free.
Chairman of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, SWAN, Rivers State Chapter, Sarah David on her part said that the development was a good thing that needs to be encouraged by all. She offered the total support of all sports writers in the state towards the success of the event and called on other corporate bodies to emulate Odibola Global Services by investing in the youth and society via sports development, promotion and sponsorship.
Registration for the mini marathon is free and can be done online (www.odibola.com/marathon), at the Ministry of Sports or Odibola’s corporate headquarters in Port Harcourt. Residents and athletes from outside the state are eligible to participate on passing the stipulated health checks.
ODIBOLA POWERS MINI MARATHON IN PH
Gabriel Nwanetanya
Port Harcourt City, Rivers State and indeed, the South South region is set to witness a grand mini marathon as Odibola Global Services Limited powers a medium distance race for athletes in the state and beyond next month tagged, New Port Harcourt Mini Marathon. The race, being put together by Odibola Global Services in conjunction with Rivers state government and other brands is scheduled to hold on the 18th of next month and would be open to any interested runner.
Speaking at a Press briefing recently in Port Harcourt, the Managing Director of the organisation, Mr Regha Julius described the one-day event as the company’s gesture to give back to the society and help in the effort to identify, wean and throw up new athletes that can fly the flag of the state and country in future athletics competition.
According to Mr Julius,” the one day mini marathon is one of the many people oriented activities of Odibola Global Services, it’s one of our ways of giving back to the society and making people know that Rivers state is safe to live and do business in. People can come and invest in the state”
“We as a brand with focus on people always try to reach out, impact on the lives of people and improve the way businesses are conducted by engaging in activities geared toward improving the lives of people”, he added.
While answering questions, the Managing Director disclosed that the race would have two categories, male and female with One million naira prize money for each. The 21km race will commence and terminate at the Sharks FC Stadium.
He stated that they would be partnering with bodies such as Rivers State Sports Council, Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, Nigerian Civil and Security Defence Corps, NCSDC and Red Cross to make the marathon a success.
He promised that there would be a second edition of the race next year and that with the support of the state government, the New Port Harcourt Mini Marathon has come to stay.
It is expected that the Rivers state Sports Council would provide the technical assistance and equipment for the event, while the FRSC ensures effective management of the road and traffic, the NCSDC provides security and the Red Cross, the medical/health management to make the event hitch-free.
Also speaking at the briefing, the State’s Director of Sports, Mildred Hart described the involvement of Odibola Services in the event as a good development, noting that the marathon would provide a veritable platform for the youth to express and explore their talents, which can lead them away from societal vices.
Chairman of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, SWAN, Rivers State Chapter, Sarah David on her part said that the development was a good thing that needs to be encouraged by all. She offered the total support of all sports writers in the state towards the success of the event and called on other corporate bodies to emulate Odibola Global Services by investing in the youth and society via sports development, promotion and sponsorship.
Registration for the mini marathon is free and can be done online (www.odibola.com/marathon), at the Ministry of Sports or Odibola’s corporate headquarters in Port Harcourt. Residents and athletes from outside the state are eligible to participate on passing the stipulated health checks.
Sports
Tottenham’s Miserable Run Continues
Relegation-threatened Tottenham’s miserable 2026 continued as their winless run extended to 10 league games with Fulham gaining a deserved victory to boost their hopes of qualifying for European football.
Fulham, who scored twice in the opening six minutes in their 2-1 win over Spurs in November, again got an early goal with Harry Wilson netting in the seventh minute.
However, the goal was controversial as new Spurs boss Igor Tudor felt it should have been disallowed as home striker Raul Jimenez pushed Radu Dragusin as they challenged for a Kenny Tete cross, before Oscar Bobb picked out Wilson to volley home from six yards out.
Tottenham had a similar goal ruled out last week in their 4-1 loss to Arsenal for a foul by Randal Kolo Muani on Gunners defender Gabriel but, following a check from the video assistant referee (VAR) Craig Pawson, Fulham’s goal was allowed to stand, much to Tudor’s fury.
Spurs, though, had no excuses for the 34th-minute second goal with Alex Iwobi left with space to shoot home superbly from 18 yards out, with the ball going in off the inside of the post after a neat exchange with Wilson.
Sports
City Survive Leeds’ Challenge At Elland Road
Antoine Semenyo scored just before half-time as title-chasing Manchester City escaped Elland Road with victory over an energetic Leeds United.
The hard-earned outcome narrowed Arsenal’s lead to two points at the top of the Premier League.
City travelled to West Yorkshire without their Leeds-born star striker Erling Haaland who was injured in training, and it looked for large periods in the first half that they would rue not having their top goalscorer available.
But Ghana international Semenyo stretched to convert Rayan Ait-Nouri’s fizzed low ball into the penalty area for his sixth City goal since joining from Bournemouth in January.
Leeds will be wondering how they did not score after making a sprightly start and giving City real cause for early concern.
Meanwhile , a clinical Liverpool performance helped them beat battling West Ham in the Premier League and move level on points with fourth-placed Manchester United.
The hosts were 3-0 up at the break thanks to goals from Hugo Ekitike, Virgil van Dijk and Alexis Mac Allister.
West Ham pulled one back early in the second half through Tomas Soucek before Cody Gakpo restored Liverpool’s three-goal lead in the 70th minute.
Nuno Espirito Santo’s side scored again through Taty Castellanos, but an Axel Disasi own goal ensured Liverpool hit five goals in a league game for the first time this season.
Bayern Rebound To Overcome Dortmund In Bundesliga (5)
Harry Kane scored two second-half goals as Bayern Munich came from behind to beat Borussia Dortmund in a thrilling match and move 11 points clear at the top of the Bundesliga.
The England striker took his tally to 45 goals in all competitions this season as Bayern became the first team to inflict a home league defeat on Dortmund.
Kane, who passed 500 A clinical Liverpool performance helped them beat battling West Ham in the Premier League and move level on points with fourth-placed Manchester United.
The hosts were 3-0 up at the break thanks to goals from Hugo Ekitike, Virgil van Dijk and Alexis Mac Allister.
West Ham pulled one back early in the second half through Tomas Soucek before Cody Gakpo restored Liverpool’s three-goal lead in the 70th minute.
Nuno Espirito Santo’s side scored again through Taty Castellanos, but an Axel Disasi own goal ensured Liverpool hit five goals in a league game for the first time this season.
All three of the Reds’ first-half goals came from set-pieces – with Arne Slot’s side now leading the table in 2026 when it comes to goals from set-plays (excluding penalties).
In the fifth minute, Ryan Gravenberch teed up Ekitike, who finished smartly to beat Mads Hermansen at the near post for his 16th goal of the season.
West Ham threatened to equalise, but against the run of play Liverpool doubled their advantage when Van Dijk headed in Dominik Szoboszlai’s corner.
The visitors failed to take advantage of Liverpool’s complacency with Konstantinos Mavropanos, Jarrod Bowen and Soucek all wasting chances.
And just before half-time, Mac Allister’s superb volley took a deflection and ended in the back of the net. That was the cue for sections of the travelling support to head for the exits.
Nico Schlotterbeck’s opener.
Dortmund thought they had snatched a point when Daniel Svensson’s thumping volley sent Signal Iduna Park into pandemonium.
But that was until Joshua Kimmich’s strike three minutes from time kept Bayern in pole position to win a 14th title in 15 seasons.
Schlotterbeck headed Dortmund ahead in the 26th minute when he rose highest in a crowded penalty area to connect with Svensson’s free-kick from the left.
Dortmund had the chance to double their lead later in the half when Fabio Silva squared the ball to Maximilian Beier, who was denied by the onrushing Jonas Urbig.
Despite dominating possession in the first half, Bayern – playing with a front three of Kane, Michael Olise and Luis Diaz – were unable to test Dortmund goalkeeper Gregor Kobel.
But Kane equalised early in the second period with a poacher’s effort from inside the area at the end of a slick move involving Kimmich and Serge Gnabry.
Both teams missed chances before Kane scored a penalty – a record 10th in a Bundesliga season – after Josip Stanisic was floored by Schlotterbeck.
Dortmund levelled when Svensson volleyed past Urbig, but Kimmich all but ended their hopes of winning a first title since 2012.
Sports
PSG Extend Lead In Ligue 1
Paris St-Germain stretched their lead at the top of Ligue 1 to four points by claiming a narrow win at Le Havre.
The defending champions hoped to take advantage after second-placed Lens drew at Strasbourg on Friday, and Bradley Barcola gave them a deserved lead shortly before half-time.
PSG had chances to extend their lead and substitute Desire Doue had a late penalty saved by Le Havre goalkeeper Mory Diaw.
Lee Kang-In had an effort saved by Diaw before his right-wing cross was headed home by Barcola for his ninth goal of the season.
Moments later Lee fired wide when through on goal, before PSG winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia fired against a post just after half-time.
Keeper Matvey Safonov made a fine save from Issa Soumare to keep PSG in front, while Diaw denied substitutes Nuno Mendes, Ibrahim Mbaye and Doue.
Diaw parried Doue’s spot-kick low to his right after Doue was brought down by Lucas Gourna-Douath with 11 minutes left.
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