Sports
Abia Not Sure To Secure continental Ticket
El-Kanemi Warriors boosted their push up the Nigeria Premier Football League table with a 2-0 victory over Abia Warriors on Saturday, dealing a blow to the visitors’ hopes of securing a continental ticket.
The matchday 27 encounter, played at the El-Kanemi Warriors Stadium in Maiduguri, saw the home side take control in the first half before sealing the result late on.
Referee Hannah Elaigwu oversaw proceedings, assisted by Zango Muhammed and Aminu Salihu, with Zubairu Abubakar serving as fourth official.
El-Kanemi made their intent clear early and were rewarded in the 22nd minute when Daddy Abdulrahman converted from the penalty spot to hand the hosts the lead.
The goal settled the home side, who managed the remainder of the first half effectively to carry a 1-0 advantage into the interval.
Abia, chasing a top-three finish for the second consecutive season, pushed forward after the restart but struggled to break down a disciplined El-Kanemi defence.
Their ambitions suffered a decisive setback four minutes from time when Bashir Musa struck to double the advantage, ensuring the points remained in Maiduguri.
The victory lifts El-Kanemi to sixth place on 41 points from 27 matches, leaving them just two points behind fifth-placed Abia, who have played a game more.
For the visitors, the defeat dents their pursuit of a continental berth. They remain one point behind third-placed Enugu Rangers and two adrift of Ikorodu City in second, with both sides holding games in hand.
League leaders Rivers United sit on 46 points and appear firmly in control at the summit, also with three games in hand, intensifying the pressure on the chasing pack.
Abia Warriors will look to revive their challenge when they host Shooting Stars at their makeshift home in Aba on matchday 29, while El-Kanemi travel to Bauchi to face Wikki Tourist as they seek to build on their momentum.
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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