Sports
Abia Warriors Mourn Ubah, Iwuanyanwu
Chairman of Abia Warriors Football Club of Umuahia, Coach John Sam Obuh has joined millions of Nigerians to mourn the deaths of Senator Ifeanyi Ubah and Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu.
The former Nigeria national Under-20 and Under-17 coach expressed shock over the demise of the two heavy weights in Nigerian football.
Coach Obuh, who is still in disbelief over the sad development in the football polity of Nigeria is deeply pained at the moment.
According to sources, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu and Senator Ifeanyi Ubah died on the 25th of July and 27th of July, respectively.
The Abia-born football administrator is trying to come to terms with the sad developments, but still recalled the fond memories he holds so dear of the two fallen heroes.
“Words cannot describe how I feel at the moment. I was still grappling to come to terms with the death of Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, only for me to receive the shocking news of Senator Ifeanyi Ubah’s death.
“I still recall how Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu took over Spartans FC of Owerri and renamed it Iwuanyanwu Nationale FC, and it became the best club in Nigeria at the time. He was passionate about football.
“Senator Ifeanyi Ubah on his part is a colossus. His passion for football is undescribable. What he did with FC Ifeanyi Ubah is still talked about till date.”
The club supremo described their passing as a huge loss to the country and Africa.
“Surely, they will be missed. Their demise is a huge loss to Nigeria and the entire continent. It is also a huge loss to the football world.”
Coach Obuh then sympathised with the families of the late two prominent Nigerians.
“My sincere condolences to the families of Senator Ifeanyi Ubah and Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu. My heart and prayers are with them. May God grant the two families the fortitude to bear their losses.”
Late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah was the founder of former Nigeria Premier Football League side, FC Ifeanyi Ubah. He was the immediate past Chairman of Anambra Football Association. Until his death, he was the Senator representing Anambra South Senatorial District.
While late Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu on the other hand, was the Founder of Iwuanyanwu Nationale Football Club of Owerri. The Club metamorphosed to Heartland FC of Owerri.
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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