Sports
Rangers Pull Out Of Pre-Season Tournament
The management of Rangers International F.C, after due consultations with the coaching crew, has stated that the team will play no more part in the Ifeanyi Ekweme Tico/Select Preseason Tournament.
Administrative Secretary of Rangers Management Corporation, Barrister Ferdinand Ugwuarua, made this disclosure, yesterday, sitting poor organisation laced with irregular fixtures and the questionable antics of the organiser as reasons for the club’s action.
“Sincerely, it was our wish to use the tournament to test the readiness of our new players at competitive stage but the stage we have reached in our preseason program have gone past what the Tico/Select tournament holds hence our decision to pull out of it. Also, the irregular nature of the fixtures has not helped matters just as the poor organization and questionable antics of the main organiser is working at variance with the standard that our club,” said the young club administrator.
Ugwuarua further said, “This tournament has made us to miss out on playing two grade A games that were scheduled during this period and we need to be focused on our preparations for the fast approaching season. If there is marked improvement in the organisation of the tournament in the near future, we may participate but for exigency of time, we are no more taking part in this 4th edition of Tico/Select Preseason Tournament.”
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.
-
News1 day agoPolice Arrest Nigerian, Two Others For Kidnapping In Edo
-
Business16 hours agoNigeria, AFC sign $1.3 billion deal to build alumina refinery
-
Rivers15 hours agoKENPOLY Rector Promises To Prioritise Students’ Welfare
-
Nation1 day agoPerm Sec Explains Success Of FGM Elimination Programme In Rivers
-
News1 day agoNDLEA Arrests Ex-Councillor With 40kg Skunk, Recovers Drugs In Diapers
-
Rivers15 hours agoDon, Stakeholders Urge Environmental Laws In N’Delta
-
Rivers15 hours agoLGSC Boss Commits To Better Service Delivery
-
Rivers15 hours agoADIAFRICA Flags-off Free Eye Screening Outreach In PH