Sports
Ogunmodede, Ilechukwu Battle For NPFL Title
Remo Stars coach Daniel Ogunmodede seems to be playing along with the mind games of his Enugu Rangers counterpart, Fidelis Ilechukwu, as both teams contend for the 2023/24 Nigeria Premier Football League title.
Rangers hold a tiny one-point lead at the top of the table with 57 points, followed by Remo with 56 points.
Remo were previously four points behind Rangers but cut the gap to one on Monday after beating Rivers United 2-1 in their rescheduled game.
The win boosted Remo’s charge for their first NPFL title and while Ogunmodede admitted their title dream, he also hinged it on Ilechukwu’s position of not chasing the title despite Rangers top of the table.
“I think it (the title) is in view because my friend (Fidelis Ilechukwu) said they are still building, so, we are trying to capitalise on the fact that they are building and we are trying to get the trophy,” Ogunmodede told the club’s media team after the game.
Rangers coach Ilechukwu has severally said winning the title this season is not the primary target given to him by his employers.
“I’m not thinking about the title. Enyimba, Lobi Stars and Remo Stars are thinking about it,” Ilechukwu said via 54footballx.
“We have a very young team and structure is what we are thinking of. Maybe next season we will talk about the title. If I’m thinking about that, I will be under pressure and I don’t want to be under pressure because the management did not tell me about that.”
On their hard-fought win against Rivers United, Ogunmodede praised Togolese striker, Fracnk Mawuena, who inspired the game and marked his return from a five-month injury with a goal and assist.
“Mawuena is a very important player for us. He got injured during our game against Akwa United in Uyo last November and after that we’ve had a lot of goal droughts. Sikiru (Alimi) was struggling and almost all the attackers were struggling. This is a player that creates space for other players, a very selfless player. Look at the assist he made for Haruna Hadi too, on a very good day, another striker could have played the shot,” Ogunmodede said.
“We played a very good team and it was like a final game because there was no game at other centres and the attention was here. They made it difficult for us in the first half by scoring first. Nevertheless, we fought back in the second half knowing how important the points were.”
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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