Sports
Odiemerenyi Wins OML 58 Tournament
In a tightly contested final match at Elele Okinali at the weekend, Odiemerenyi FC emerged champions of the 2024 edition of the OML football tournament organised by Total- Energies.
At the end of regulation time Oboburu FC who had been one time champions in 2006 held Odiemerenyi to a two all draw at full time.
The winners however emerged after a penalty shoot out that led to players of Oboburu losing their targets twice with a 4-3 win.
Erema FC took the third place after third place match was suspended and awarded to them.
Odiemerenyi with the wining has become the first Ekpeye Community to win the cup since the tournament commenced.
Meanwhile, sponsors of the tournament, Total Energies/ NNPCL has praised the competition as on of the best in the country.
Deputy Managing Director JV Asset, Mr Olivier Cassassoles at the closing ceremony said this year’s edition of the OML football tournament has displayed talents and sown community relationship and goodwill.
He said out of the 10 best players identified in the tournament three best are to be sponsored to Europe based football academy for further training and development.
He reiterated that this year’s tourney marks the end of over aged players, as younger players are being developed and talent hunt remains a key drive to make the competition stronger.
Cassassoles commended the players and their supporters for their spirited participation and peaceful conduct thoughout the competition.
Meanwhile, three best players have been selected for further training and development by the organisers of the OML 58 Football Tournament.
They were among the initial 10 players shortlisted for their outstanding performance. They are Ebele Wisdom Samuel of Eyekele FC, Timothy Maxwell of Elele Alimini FC and Okalike Israel of Oboburu FC.
Kevin Nengia
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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