Sports
NPFL Super 6: Stalemate On Match-Day Three
The race for the continental spots and the Nigeria Professional Football League title remains dicey after match-day three following draws in potentially deciding games on Wednesday, Tidesports source reports.
In the first game of the day, Sadiq Abubakar drew first blood for Enyimba after 23 minutes with a beautiful left curler, which left Amas Obasogie helpless in Insurance’s goal.
Down but not deterred, the Benin Arsenal only trailed for 14 minutes as mercurial midfielder Divine Nwachukwu headed home Deputy Echeta’s lofted cross inside the box to level matters.
Insurance almost took the lead a minute later, but Ojo Olorunleke parried Adodo Stephen’s effort from the edge of the area to keep the score level at the break.
Momentum swung either way in the second half and it was Insurance who got on the front foot with the most attempts from second half substitute, Osarenkhoe Imade.
The striker forced a save from Olorunleke with a ferocious right-foot shot after cutting in from the left flank. Minutes later, Julius Emiloju and Nwachukwu let fly over the bar from rebounds.
Enyimba, however, saved their firepower for the last four minutes of the game as they also made three attempts at stealing the lead.
Insurance goalkeeper Obasogie made three crucial saves to deny Imo Obot, Somiari Alalibo and Ekene Awazie at the death as the game ended 1-1.
Sunshine thwart Remo’s ambition
Two goals in either half by Samuel Anaekwe and Lucky Gyan settled the score in the southwest derby between Sunshine Stars and Remo Stars as they played out a 1-1 draw in the second game.
Having drawn their first two games, Remo came off the blocks with urgency and scored the opener in the 15th minute courtesy of Anaekwe.
The striker almost made it two moments later, but Sunshine goalie, Mustapha Lawal, denied him from close range after Seun Ogunribide sent in a sweeping cross into the box.
While his teammates struggled to get their rhythm, Mustapha was the busiest of the goalkeepers as he entered full flight again to deny former Sunshine Stars player, Dayo Ojo from scoring with a pile driver.
Sunshine Stars fought back as soon as the game restarted, getting an equaliser in the 46th minute with a header from Gyan.
The rest of the half was played out with intent and caution at either side and the 1-1 draw left Remo with three points from three games, while Sunshine Stars have two points from as many games.
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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