Sports
Confed Cup Brace For Rivers United, Nigeria Star, Nwagua
Rivers United forward, Nyima Nwagua, is finally relieved after scoring twice in their 2-2 draw against Congolese side, Diables Noirs, on match-day five of the CAF Confederation Cup on Sunday in Uyo, Tidesports source reports.
The striker has been goal-shy in the group stage of the competition, but broke his dock in the penultimate group encounter with an important brace, which sealed qualification to the quarter-finals for the first time in the history of Rivers United.
His only goal in the competition before the brace was an equaliser during their 1-1 draw against Al Nasr Benghazi in the preliminaries.
With his tally now up to three and a couple of assists, Nwagua is thrilled about the progression of the team as well as the possibility of adding more goals and assists.
“First of all, it feels really good qualifying for the quarter-finals. That’s the most important achievement.This is for Nigeria and Rivers United,” Nwagua told Tidesports source.
“You know at some point I decided to just do my best and finally I got a brace; an important brace for the team as well. So, I am looking forward to the next round and I will continue to give my best for the team.”
River’s United coach, Stanley Eguma, also acknowledged the impact of Nwagua in the team, despite firing blanks in the previous four games.
“Nwagua did so well in that particular game and got the two goals for us. He absolutely deserved it because he had been a mainstay in the team and had been there all the time,” the coach said after the game.
“I understand it’s been difficult for him to score because defenders are always on him as the point man, but he has always used his physique to bring others into play by setting them up for even better finishes.
“In this game (versus Diables Noirs), he finally had his own and I salute his effort to put us in the next round. I hope he continues in that form too.”
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.