Sports
RSG Redeeems N50m Reward To Rivers Queens …As Plans To Host Schools Sports On Top Gear
The Rivers State Government under the leadership of Sir Siminialayi Fubara has strongly indicated that the State would organise School Sports tagged’ Rivers State Schools Sports Festival” before the end of this year.
It further revealed that plans are also on top gear to hold Rivers State Sports Festival next year to discover talents that will represent the State at the National Sports Festival ( NSF) scheduled to hold in Ogun State.
State Commissioner for Sports Barrister Christopher Green disclosed this shortly after he presented the N50 million cheque to the State Handball team called “Rivers Queens”.
It will be recalled that the State Governor Sir Siminialayi Fubara, rewarded the team with N50 million for making the State proud when he formally received them at Government House in Port Harcourt as they emerged Champions at the National Handball Tournament held in Edo State.
According to him, he is committed and determined to revamp sports in all ramifications in line with State Governor’s new vision and policy on Sports development.
“The Governor has charged me to revamp sports at all levels in the State this means not only football. Consequently, I have set three steps to develop sports immediate, middle and long term plans.
“His Excellency policy was to bring all sports at per that is no single sports should play second fiddle.
“This achievement was remarkable and commendable because this is the first time a female team in State has won trophy outside football and festivals” Barrister Green said.
The number one Sportsman in State further explained that he will invite elites athletes to groom upcoming Rivers State born athletes to stardom.
“I want to bring back the era when people hear names of Rivers State indigenes at both national and international levels” he stated.
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.