Sports
Delta Ethnic Cup Goes Beyond fostering unity, Peace
In a statement made available to Tidesports in Port Harcourt, Mulade who is also the National Coordinator, Centre for Peace and Environmental Justice (CEPEJ), called for more partnership to ensure sustainable peace in the area.
The finals of the tournament had seen Team Itsekiri (Ugbomarun FC) knock out Team Ndokwa (Ndokwa East United FC) 3 goals to 1, at Orerokpe town, with the former clinching the championship title with a grand prize of N2 million cash, a trophy, and gold medals for the players.
While the runners-up (Ndokwa East United FC) got N1.5m million cash prize, and silver medals for the players, the third and fourth-place winners (Team Urhobo, Udu United FC and Team Isoko (Winsome FC) received N1 million cash prize, and bronze medals for the players and N500,000 and consolation prizes, respectively. However, Team Isoko was disqualified and banned from participating in the next edition for breaching guidelines.
Emphasizing the essence of the competition, which he said was “fostering unity and celebrating sporting excellence among ethnic groups in Delta State,” Mulade revealed that “the success of the 2024 tournament has paved the way for the next (6th) edition”.
“Plans are underway to expand participation, introduce new categories, and ensure that the event remains the cornerstone of Delta State’s sports calendar,” he revealed.
Recalling the just concluded tournament, the environmentalist noted the significance of the special novelty match to flag-off the tournament at Ode-Itsekiri, with Itsekiri/Ijaw team on one side, against other ethnic groups, as part of efforts to drive home the objectives of the competition.
“It is imperative to state that since the ethnic conflict that engulfed Delta State over 20 years ago, particularly Warri and environs, this is the first time the Ijaws and Itsekiris are united by forming a unity team to play against other ethnic groups in the state,” he stated.
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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