Sports
Pillars Mourn Late Star, Kofarmata
Nigeria Professional Football League side, Kano Pillars media officer Idris Malikawa, has expressed shock over the death of the club’s former striker, Bello Kofarmata, Tidesports resource reports.
According to Malikawa, the striker, a member of the Flying Eagles squad at the Canada 2007 U-20 World Cup, died Tuesday night at the age of 34, after a brief illness in his hometown Kofarmata in Kano State.
Speaking with The Tidesports source the club’s media officer said the Sai Masu Gida, as Pillars are fondly called, will forever remember the late one-cap Super Eagles striker.
“It is not easy losing a young player, especially someone who contributed a lot to the success of the club,” he said.
“I remember vividly in 2008, Bello was part of the squad that won the club’s first NPFL title. We will miss him; he will forever be a part of this club. He was also part of the club’s successes on the continent when we reached the semi-finals of the CAF Champions League. There is no way to describe the feeling of losing such a player like him.”
Malikawa added, “He didn’t only make his mark at the club level, he also did at the national level where he played at the U-20 and U-23 levels. He was also invited to the Eagles squad for CHAN. He will be remembered for his discipline.
“He was from a football family and he stayed humble. That’s why the club honoured him and will be there for his burial immediately the brother called me.”
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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