Sports
Akwa Utd Players, Coaches Tasked On Performance
Following their dismal outing in the ongoing 2023/2024 Nigeria Premier League season, the management of Akwa United has charged the players and coaches of the club to begin turning things around, Tidesports sources reports.
Despite churning out good results during the preseason games, the Promise Keepers have yet to secure a win in the league after four games.
“The management called for an emergency meeting on Monday after the team played out another goalless draw against Shooting Stars in match day 4 last weekend.
After the meeting, the chairman of the club, Paul Bassey, told the players to show more commitment and dedication in the subsequent matches.
“We are a club rich in tradition and endowed with winning mentality. We don’t participate in the league for participation sake. We compete to win laurels and qualify for the continent and our record in the past five seasons can attest to that.
“We the management of Akwa United Football Club are worried about the present position of our club after playing four matches without a win. Our recent results are simply not acceptable.
Our fans and supporters deserve the best from us for all their support and encouragement and we have to improve our performance to ensure we have positive results in our subsequent matches.
“As the management of this club, we have made our players welfare package a top priority, we are not owing any staff of this club because salaries and bonuses are paid as and when due.
“As a club, we don’t lack anything because the government of Pastor Umo Eno has provided us with all the necessary support we need. Our players don’t have any reason not to participate, they must stand up and be counted, they have to be more committed, dedicated, disciplined, and focused while representing this club.
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.
-
Business2 days agoNERC Amends Order on Meter Tampering, Power Bypass For Discos
-
Rivers2 days agoKENPOLY Rector Promises To Prioritise Students’ Welfare
-
Business2 days agoNCDMB Signs Mgt Deal With Radisson, Edison…As Board’s 204 Rooms Hotel Open December 2026
-
Business2 days agoNigeria, AFC sign $1.3 billion deal to build alumina refinery
-
News3 days agoPolice Arrest Nigerian, Two Others For Kidnapping In Edo
-
Rivers2 days agoDon, Stakeholders Urge Environmental Laws In N’Delta
-
Rivers2 days agoADIAFRICA Flags-off Free Eye Screening Outreach In PH
-
Environment2 days agoIWD: NGO promotes clean energy access for women in Kaduna