Sports
Rangers Resume As 70 Turn Up For Screening
Rangers International F.C of Enugu, the ‘Flying Antelopes’, have commenced their program for the 2022/2023 football season with the arrival of players retained from last season and the new ones that have signed the dotted lines to defend the club’s colors in the fast approaching season.
Led by the Administrative Secretary of the club, Barrister Ferdinand Ugwuarua, and the Technical Adviser, Coach Abdul Maikaba, the team held a dedication and prayer session at the players’ camp along Nkponkiti Road, Independence Layout, Ogui, Enugu, Wednesday, the team prayed for a successful season laced with trophy celebrations.
In his welcome address, Barrister Ugwuarua thanked God for the journey mercies granted to all the returning players while charging all to come up with their A-game in all departments to ensure that all set targets are achieved at the end of the season.
The team continued its build-up for the season with a body conditioning session at the Rangers Training Pitch with the retained and new players doing their things under the watchful eyes of the coaching crew led by Abdul Maikaba.
Coach Maikaba, in a brief chat, welcomed both old and new players while charging them to be at their best at all times to help the club achieve its set target of ending the season on a high with the league and Aiteo cup trophy in its prime target or a continental ticket in a worst case scenario.
“I welcome all of us to the start of the new season which I believe will be very great for our careers. Last season, we made mistakes that led to our missing our set targets but, it’s my belief that with this assemblage of quality performers that you all are, there will be no stopping us this season. The league, Aiteo cup, and continental ticket placing remain our prime targets this season.”
Some of the new players that would soon be unveiled at an elaborate session include; Michael Ibeh, Shehu Sani, Inemese Sunday, Gabriel Innocent, Tunde Olaniyi, Saeed Jibrin, Chukwudi Nwordu, Daten Ogundare, Emmanuel Charles, Emeka Nwabulu, and Reuben Bala.
In a related development, over 70 football players showed up as the club commenced its open screening sessions where the eagle-eyed coaches of the club are on the lookout for talents that could make the cut to join the team being put together for the coming season.
The screening sessions are taking place at the Rangers Training Pitch, Independence Layout, Ogui, Enugu.
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.