Sports
Bille Unity Football Tournament Kicks Off ’Morrow
Bille Amateur Football Association (BDAFA) held her annual Unity Football Cup tournament draws on Tuesday at Opu Imo Ama, in Bille Kingdom in Degema Local Government Area, Rivers State.
An explosive opening game is expected to be witnessed by the people of Bille Kingdom between defending champions, LT Winners and Winners FC tomorrow by 4pm at the Orokubu Stadium, Iwoama in Bille Kingdom.
Speaking shortly after the draws, the Chairman of the Organising Committee, Ajumo Oloko, said one of the major reasons for the competition was to foster peace and unity among youths in the kingdom.
According to him, the compettion is an annual event that comes up every December, mostly in the festive period, adding that this year’s tournament would be better than previous years because there are a lot of innovations.
“The essence of this tournament is to foster the existing peace and unity among youths in the community. You know this is festive period we actually want to keep the community lively and busy for indigenes to enjoy.
“This tournament is an annual event but this edition will be better than the previous ones because there are innovations and prices to be won,” Oloko said.
The organising committee chairman equally said that the Bille Unity Cup was the oldest consistent annual grassroots football tournament in the country that have featured great and talented players.
“Ten teams will slug it out this season for the prestigious trophy in what is regarded as the oldest running annual grassroots football tournament in the country that have seen great players grace the competition with their skills,” he stated.
Group B seem evenly matched despite having Osaja Excellence Football Academy making their debut in the competition while group D is dicey with Mangrove Boys making a return three years after their debut where they suffered massive defeat.
BILLE UNITY CUP GROUPING
Group A
1) LT Winners
2) Winners FC
Group B
1) Rocks
2) Osaja Excellence Football
Academy
3) Magic FC
Group C
1) Bille All Stars
2) Amaibi
Group D
1) Mangrove Boys
2) 3FC
3) Mentle FC.
By: Tonye Orabere
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.