Sports
Wike Assures RSG’s Readiness To Host More Matches
Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike has declared the readiness of his administration to host more international football matches as part of efforts to promote sports and also to prove that the state is safe for everybody.
The governor, who stated this while receiving the national executive of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) at Government House, Port Harcourt at the weekend stressed that “the state has the capacity to host FIFA and other international matches.”
“We decided to host the match as part of our contributions to sports development and also to prove that Rivers state is safe for everybody.
“I also was to commend the Nigeria Football Federation for giving us this opportunity to prove to everybody that we have the capacity and the right atmosphere to host all manner of matches,” he stressed further.
He stated his administration’s resolve to focus on grassroots development of all Sports to return the state as a top player in the sector.
On the promise of $30,000 for every goal scored by the U-23 team against their Congolese counterpart, the governor said the gesture was aimed at motivating the players to do the nation proud.
“I feel we should motivate the boys to give their best. I believe when you motivate them, they will put in extra efforts to perform well.”
The governor, while thanking the national executive of SWAN for the visit and for appreciating his administration’s commitment to sports development and promotion, said his government would not lose focus in its determination.
On request by the executive to host the full council meeting of the association, Governor Wike gave an express approval, saying the state government would be happy to host such as important body of sports writers in Nigeria.
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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