Sports
Enyimba Staff Protest Over Illegal Sack
Some staff of Enyimba of Aba, yesterday , took to the streets of Umuahia, Abia State capital, to protest the ‘illegal termination of their service’ by the club’s new management, led by Super Eagles former Captain, Nwankwo Kanu.
The workers, who held several placards and sang protest songs, pleaded with Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, to intervene in the matter. In their letter dated August 9, 2023, and titled: “Protest letter to Governor Alex Otti on illegal disengagement of Enyimba Staff,” which was distributed to journalists, they alleged that they were “sacked by Ifeanyi Ekwueme, the Sporting Director of Enyimba International Football Club.”
The letter, jointly signed by the club’s Chief Security Officer, Ogbonnaya Agwu and Maduka Anyaso, said: “We are surprised to hear that he (Ekwueme) is going contrary to the directive of Governor Otti, who last month dismissed reports that some staff of the club have been sacked.”
They recalled that a letter “purportedly” written by the sporting director and dated July 17, 2023, had directed them to reapply for jobs.
“This letter was disowned and dismissed by Abia State governor, who also said that no staff was sacked and that there was no plan to sack Enyimba Staff.”
They wondered why the sporting director, Ekwueme, chose to disobey the governor’s directive by sacking eight of their colleagues, including the chief security officer.
They claimed that the sacked officials did not commit any offence and were not indicted or queried for any offence before their dismissal after many years of dedicated service to the club.
The workers also alleged that they were being owed four months salaries and pleaded with Otti to intervene and direct their recall to save them from joblessness and hunger.
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.