Sports
Rivers Utd’s Skipper Confident Of CCL Group Stage
The skipper of Rivers United FC of Port Harcourt, Festus Austin, has assured Nigerians that the pride of Rivers will qualify to play in the Group Stage of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Champions League.
Austin made the assurance on Wednesday in an interview which the club’s Media Officer, Charles Mayuku made available to Tidesports in Port Harcourt just after the draw for the preliminary round of the competition.
The pride of Rivers will play Watanga FC of Liberia in the preliminary round and if they win, they will progress to the next round where they will take on Wydad Casablanca of Morocco.
The captain of Rivers United FC disclosed that they were ready for Watanga FC in the first preminiary, adding that they are just lucky to be meeting the Liberian team because they are going to knock them out of the competition.
“We want to be ready for every game that comes our way, as you know, in order to be a champion, you have to win every game.
“After the first game, you now plan for the second game because Rivers United FC have to progress to the group stage of the competition” Austin declared.
He pointed out that they are not scared about the prospect of meeting Wydad Casablanca before the Group stage, adding that it is a good draw in his own opinion.
“ It is a good draw by my understanding because we have a good team that can face the Liberians and even our next opponent after them.
“We are ready for the championship” he said.
By: Kiadum Edookor
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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