Sports
Rivers Angels Remain Best In NWFL – Okon
The Head Coach of Rivers Angels FC Port Harcourt Edwin Okon has said that his team remains the best in Nigeria Women Professional League (NWFL) even as they failed to win the League last season.
According to him, no female club in Nigeria has achieved what the jewels of Rivers as they fondly called has achieved , saying that it will not be easy to surpass their records in Nigeria.
Okon made the assertion on Saturday in an exclusive interview with Tidesports shortly after the Jewels of Rivers saw off Salvation Ministry Church selected side 2-0 in a novelty football match to mark the 60 birthday anniversary of the General Overseer of the church, Pastor David Ibiyeomie at the Sharks football Stadium in Port Harcourt.
He explained that nobody should write off his team despite not winning the league last season, adding that they are training intensively waiting for when the new season will kick off.
“ We are trying as much as possible to test run the girls ( Players) by playing series of friendly matches as you can see this is one of the matches.
“ I thank God for injury free today.
“ I thank God for the victory first and for the trophy won. t is a very big one and it is coming from our Papa Pastor David Ibiyeomie.
“ Rivers Angels remain champions of the NWFL despite we loss it last season but we have lifted that trophy back to back eight times and back to back seven time of the AIETO cup.
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.