Sports
NPFL: Eguma Attributes Loss Against Tornadoes To Fatigue
The Technical Manager of Rivers United FC of Port Harcourt, Stanley Eguma, has attributed their opening match loss against Niger Tornadoes in the Nigeria Premier Professional League (NPFL), 2023/24 season to late arrival to match venue.
According to him, following the late arrival, the players were tired and could not coordinate themselves in the first half of the game.
Eguma said this last Sunday in his post match interview with sports journalists which was made available to Tidesports shortly after they were defeated 1-0 at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium, in Minna.
He explained that in the first half, his players were not so much on the ball; in the second half, they were in control of the game but could not convert their chances.
“The result was not too good because my players did not play as expected. My players were peaceful in the game. Their reaction was not too much good because they were a bit tired due to late arrival to the match venue occasioned by long distance.
“In the second half, the game was under our control and we created chances but our problem was conversion.
“I think we got a penalty in the second half but I did not know why the referee denied us but he gave them penalty in the first half.
“ All what I know is that it was not a good outing for us today and we need to go back and work on the team and come out stronger in our next game,” Eguma said.
He further expressed disappointment over the poor condition of the pitch, adding that the pitch did not allow free flow of the ball.
“The pitch also contributed to our loss because it didn’t allow the ball to flow as expected.
“I think we need to work on some of these factors and we are going to win our next game,” he stated.
By: Kiadum Edooko
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.