Sports
Kano Pillars Return To Relegation Zone
Former league champions Kano Pillars continued their indifferent form in the 2021/2022 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) season as they dropped to the relegation zone after a 2-3 loss to Abia Warriors in Okigwe.
Both teams were neck-on-neck with each other on the league log before Saturday’s game but hosts, Warriors edged the highly entertaining five goals thriller to push themselves clear from their visitors.
Warriors took the lead with just four minutes on the clock when Paul Samson headed home Augustine Njoku’s cross at the far post but Pillars leveled in the 27th minute after Ifeanyi Eze latched onto Rabiu Ali’s lofted pass before finishing with aplomb.
The hosts went back in front with just seconds left of the first half when winger Emmanuel Onu scored after Pillars failed to properly clear danger. It was a crucial point in the game for the hosts to score.
Imama Amapakabo’s men then extended their lead in the 70th minute through striker Godwin Obaje whose effort squirmed under the grasp of former Warriors goalkeeper Joshua Enaholo, in goal for Pillars.
Pillars never gave up though and they got a second goal of theirs from the Sai Masu Gida textbook. Rabiu Ali’s brilliantly lofted pass over the Warriors defence was met by Auwalu Ali Malam who buried home on the half volley.
There was not to be an equaliser again from Pillars as the 2014 champions dropped to the relegation zone once again with Warriors climbing up to 12th on the log.
Warriors head coach Imama Amapakabo enjoyed the game as much as the fans that saw it in Okigwe.
“This is one game that whoever it is that came got their money’s worth. It was entertaining, there were goals and I think it was a good tactical game for whoever that loves tactics and a good advertisement for the NPFL.
“Last season it was five goals (in this fixture), this season it is five goals. I think it is exciting as it is between two teams that want to play, both sides are teams that want to attack and it is always very nice,” Amapakabo told NPFL website
Pillars were led to Okigwe by their former player and league legend Ahmed Garba ‘Yaro Yaro’. He said after the game that it was not a game his side should have lost and believes his team will get out of the relegation zone if they can keep up performances like Saturday’s
Former league champions Kano Pillars continued their indifferent form in the 2021/2022 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) season as they dropped to the relegation zone after a 2-3 loss to Abia Warriors in Okigwe.
Both teams were neck-on-neck with each other on the league log before Saturday’s game but hosts, Warriors edged the highly entertaining five goals thriller to push themselves clear from their visitors.
Warriors took the lead with just four minutes on the clock when Paul Samson headed home Augustine Njoku’s cross at the far post but Pillars leveled in the 27th minute after Ifeanyi Eze latched onto Rabiu Ali’s lofted pass before finishing with aplomb.
The hosts went back in front with just seconds left of the first half when winger Emmanuel Onu scored after Pillars failed to properly clear danger. It was a crucial point in the game for the hosts to score.
Imama Amapakabo’s men then extended their lead in the 70th minute through striker Godwin Obaje whose effort squirmed under the grasp of former Warriors goalkeeper Joshua Enaholo, in goal for Pillars.
Pillars never gave up though and they got a second goal of theirs from the Sai Masu Gida textbook. Rabiu Ali’s brilliantly lofted pass over the Warriors defence was met by Auwalu Ali Malam who buried home on the half volley.
There was not to be an equaliser again from Pillars as the 2014 champions dropped to the relegation zone once again with Warriors climbing up to 12th on the log.
Warriors head coach Imama Amapakabo enjoyed the game as much as the fans that saw it in Okigwe.
“This is one game that whoever it is that came got their money’s worth. It was entertaining, there were goals and I think it was a good tactical game for whoever that loves tactics and a good advertisement for the NPFL.
“Last season it was five goals (in this fixture), this season it is five goals. I think it is exciting as it is between two teams that want to play, both sides are teams that want to attack and it is always very nice,” Amapakabo told NPFL website
Pillars were led to Okigwe by their former player and league legend Ahmed Garba ‘Yaro Yaro’. He said after the game that it was not a game his side should have lost and believes his team will get out of the relegation zone if they can keep up performances like Saturday’s
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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