Sports
Obibi Community Emerges Champions of Etche Unity Football Tournament … As Senator Donates N2.7m
Nwodim Memorial Football in Obibi Community has emerged winners of the maiden edition of Okehi Clan Unity Tournament in Etche Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The final encounter was played at Amaekwune playground in Okehi which witnessed huge attendance and saw Obibi community narrowly beat hard fighting Okehi One with a lone goal.
Spectators were excited following the football artistry being displayed by the two teams as the game kicked off by 4pm, and Obibi saw the back of the net at the 43rd minute of play.
Speaking shortly after the final game, Senator Allwell Onyesoh, representing Rivers East Senatorial district in the National Assembly who was the special guest of Honour and Chairman is the Assembly opined that the tournament has achieved its purpose, saying that both teams played purposeful football.
According to him the tournament has discovered hidden talents that have potentials to become future football champions, adding that the competition has enormous advantages to be harnessed.
“For me, no winner, no vanquished, both teams who played today, played very well and I must commend the donor for this gesture in this grassroots sports development.
To this end, I am supporting the tournament for next year with the sum of N1million, while each of the finalist will go home with N.5N1million each, as best player, best goal keeper, will also get N100,000 each, while officials, organisers and the singing group will also smile home with N250,000, N200,000 and N100,000 respectively.
“Let me continue to encourage you all to maintain peace and unity, however, for the best player and best goal keeper I will register both of you to play in a club in Port Harcourt” Senator Onyesoh said.
He further used the opportunity to commend the sponsor of the tournament, Engr Fortune Uchenna Obi, for what he has done in all ramifications.
Earlier in an interview with journalists, the sponsor of the tournament, Engr. Obi said he decided to sponsor the tournament to promote unity and peace in the area through grassroots sports development and expressed happiness that the tournament was successful.
Akujobi Amadi
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.
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