Sports
Aleto Unity Cup Set To Kick Off Sunday
Preparations are on top gear to commence Aleto Unity Cup Soccer Competition scheduled to hold this weekend.
Chairman of Aleto Football Association, Michael Ejire, while speaking with journalists, on Monday shortly after the draws of the competition said the tournament was aimed at fostering peace and unity among the youths of the area
Ejire said every logistics have been put in place to make the tournament memorable and remarkable, adding that the competition will provide the platform for upcoming footballers in the area to showcase their potentials and talents.
He further said the cardinal aim and objective of the tourney is to discover fresh talents and nurture them to stardom.
On his part, the Secretary of Aleto Football Association, Deacon Gomba Osaro Prosperous, said the tournament is sponsored by the Aleto Clan Association to promote the development of grassroots football among the communities and sub clans in the area.
He pointed out that part of the dividends accruing from the equity shares of Indorama Eleme Petrochemical host communities is being used to bankroll the tournament in line with the obligation of the Aleto clan association and trustees managing the shares.
According to him, Aleto is one of the host communities of Indorama Eleme Petrochemical and the Aleto Clan Association deemed it necessary to sponsor the competition from the dividends accruing the equity shares.
Deacon Prosperous further disclosed that the overall winner of the tournament would get the sum of one million naira as prize money while the runners-up will console them with the sum of eight hundred thousand naira, adding that second runners up will receive five hundred thousand naira.
He said notable dignitaries, prominent and eminent sons and daughters of Aleto clan are expected to grace the opening ceremony of the tournament where Ollorte FC will play Konwi FC.
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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