Sports
CAFCC : Bendel Insurance Promise Exciting Football
Today’s CAF Confederation Cup match between Bendel Insurance FC of Benin and RSB Berkane of Morocco will be exciting and quality, an Edo Government official has promised.
Senior Special Assistant to Edo State Governor on Sports, Sixtus Omokhagbor gave the assurance to Tidesports sources.
Omokhagbor said that the match, the first leg, will take place at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium Benin City.
“ We are looking forward to receiving them.
“I am using this medium to invite fans to come and cheer our team to victory while behaving as true fans and being great hosts to the visiting team,” he said.
When asked if the late commencement of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) did not affect preparations, the official said that it did.
“Ideally, the league and CAF Champions Cup should happen at the same time; so, the players can be in their best form.
“What we have done is to organise friendly matches.
“Last week, we had one against Sporting Lagos FC. Edo State Government did this because it understands the need for match fitness.
“In camp, morale is equally high, the players are in good spirit.”Having done our due diligence and home support, we hope to win this first tie,” he said.
Assistant Manager of Bendel Insurance, Greg Ikhenoba, also said that morale of the players was high as they trained in camp ahead of the encounter.
Bendel Insurance defeated ASO Chief FC of Algeria 4 – 3 via penalty shootout to advance to this stage of the tournament.
According to Ikhenoba, the fitness and skills of the players will be put to test again today in Benin as they square up against RSB Berkane.
“Players are in camp, and it has been a learning turf, to learn and unlearn.
“They are in high spirit.
“The blend of old and new hands will give us the result we are looking for, by God’s grace. We will do our part.
“We are aware of the need to tie all loose ends,” he said.
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.