Sports
Nyango, Arusei Emerge Winners Of Rivers Int’l Marathon
The maiden edition of Rivers International Marathon Race organised by Arch Raphael Limited recorded a huge success as it was witnessed by a large crowd and people from all walks of life.
Wife of the Rivers State Governor, Mrs Valerie Siminalayi Fubara flagged off the 42 km race at Sharks Football Club Stadium, Hospital Road, Port Harcourt.
At the end of the event, Gyang Boyi Nyango of Pleatau State, finished 2:28:29 and Peninah Arusei of Kenya finished 2:48:23 to emerge winners of male and female categories, respectively.
Speaking with sports journalists shortly after the race last Saturday in Port Harcourt,Nyango expressed joy for winning the 42 km race, adding that the race was not easy but that he believed in himself.
According to him, his coach used to tell him to always believe in himself and not to give up despite the people competing against.
“The race was not easy but I believe in myself, my coach use to tell me to believe in myself despite the people I am competing against and I should not give up. I did not give up that is why I won the race.
“I keep pushing because a day before the race I said, I will defeat Kenya athletes who came for the event,” Nyango said.
He explained that it was not the first time he has competed against Kenyans, saying that he has defeated them in some competitions. He noted that the most important thing was to train hard.
“When you train well you will make it but if you do not train it will not be easy for you. I was discouraged from the starting point when a lot of the athletes were in my front but I know some of them will drop when they will get to 15 km.
“So I kept pushing because at the back of my mind I say I will not give up. I believe in myself that is why I was able to win the race,” he stated.
The race started from Sharks Stadium, Hospital Road Port Harcourt Township and ended at Yakubu Gowon Stadium, Elekahia Port Harcourt.
Meanwhile, Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara donated N5m each to the first positions male and female category, while from second position to 20th position given N1million each.
Iliya Pam Mwanta and Istifanus Peter of Plateau came second and third, respectively in the male category.
By: Tonye Orabere & Kiadum Edookor
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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