Sports
NPFL: Defending Title, More Difficult – Eguma
To defend the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) title is difficult than to win it afresh because all clubs want to ensure that you did not lift the trophy back to back, Rivers United Technical manager, Stanley Eguma has said.
He equally said that the target of every club was to beat defending champions; hence United technical crew was putting every effort to ensure that they lifted the trophy back to back.
Eguma said this last Sunday in his post match interview with sports journalists shortly after his side beat hard fighting Lobi Stars 2-1 in their first match of the season, at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Port Harcourt.
According to him, the game was very tough but his players perfomed impressively to get the desired three points at stake.
“I am not surprised by what happened today, because we expected a very tough game against Lobi Stars, I was not unware that Lobi was a strong side.
“NPFL is always a difficult one and unpredictable. I believe you heard what happened in other match venues, so that is the League for you,” he stated.
The technical manager further disclosed that the technical crew had started building a new team that will be stronger, saying that they would like to defend the title.
“We have started building a new team and we are moving forward. Last season, we ended up as champions and this season we want to defend it.
“You know defending the trophy is more difficult than winning it afresh because every team will want to win Rivers United, that is why we will play all games as if it is the finals,” he added.
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.