Sports
Team Rivers, Education Share Volleyball Honours
It was a mixed bag of emotions for Team Rivers volleyball contingent in one of the last events of the Federal Public Service Games, yesterday in Port Harcourt.
The male and female teams had sailed to the finals of their events with relative ease, the women brushing aside every opponent in straight sets, while the men only got tested in their quarter final match, where they prevailed over their Trade and Investment counterparts, two sets to one.
Both Rivers teams set up a final showdown for the gold medal match with the Ministry of Education teams.
Being the hosts and slight pre match favourites, most spectators on hand to watch the exchange of fireworks as the games unfolded were sort of subdued after Rivers women took the gold in a relative one-sided straight sets, 2-0 and their male counterparts lost theirs in similar fashion to the Ministry of Education team. They initially flattered to deceive in a closely contested first set, conspiring to throw away a 14-13 lead to eventually capitulate 14-15.
The largely anticipated fight back from Team Rivers in the second set failed to materialism as the opponents ran away 25-8 to close out the contest and claim gold.
A day earlier, Team Rivers, led by evergreen Obia Inyegiyikabo had shown a measure of dominance in the pool, securing an impressive haul of medals in the events they were restricted to.
Inyegiyikabo easily dominated in the women’s 100m freestyle, 50 and 100 metres backstroke to show that she still possess the ability to do the state proud despite the passage of time.
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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