Sports
YSFON: Coach Praises Players Over Victory
The Head coach of De Kings Football Academy, Port Harcourt, King Chike has praised the performance of his boys ( players) over their qualification to the semi-final of the ongoing Youth Sport Federal Of Nigeria (YSFON) football competition for Under 14 in Port Harcourt.
He said he was very happy for the qualification because in the first half his players were not playing as if they wanted to win but in the second half, they changed their attitude and came out in flying colours.
Chike said this on Monday in an exclusive interview with Tidesports shortly after his boys thrashed Fimie FC 3-0 at the Joseph Yobo Mini stadium in Port Harcourt.
Coach Chike pointed out that, football competitions are very important, particularly at the grassroots level because they help to turn youths away from vices by engaging them positively.
“ My players tried, this is good game .
‘ I believe we are going to do more better in the semi-final game than what you see today.
‘ I have discovered a lot of mistakes in the game, mostly the attacking line which I know in our training session we are going to correct.
‘ It is very important to engage the boys more in tournaments” Chike said.
He explained that they were going to do everything possible to ensure they get to the final of the competition adding that his boys have assured him of winning the competition.
He commended the hosts, YSFON and the sponsor of the competition, New Creation Ambassador Church of Nigeria Port Harcourt branch.
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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