Sports
Emir Football Cup Sponsor Solicits For Support
The sponsor of the annual
Emir, of Kaiama Cup Football Competition, Hajia Mariam Bawa has called on stakeholders to provide technical and financial support to ensure the sustenance of the competition.
Bawa made the call on Sunday at the finals of the soccer competition in Kaiama, headquarters of Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara.
She said accessing additional technical and financial support would attract more teams and expand the scope of the competition.
Bawa explained that the competition was aimed at discovering soccer talents in rural areas and exposing them to opportunities to become professional players.
She expressed delight that five players that participated in the third edition of the competition were invited to the National U-13 camp in Abuja.
Bawa said that this had boosted the confidence of the players in the competition.
“The competition has yielded the required impact since inception as it promoted harmony among the youths of the area.
“The country has been unable to tap the potentials of youths, particularly at the grassroots.
“ This is the reason for our keen interest in the soccer competition as a medium for youth development,’’ she said.
She attributed the success of the annual competition to the unflinching support of her husband and former commissioner in the state, Alhaji Issa Bawa.
Tidesports reports that Golden Stars FC of Kaiama defeated Manchester City of Kaiama by a lone goal to emerge the winners of the fourth edition of the tournament.
A total of 12 teams participated in the competition held in honour of the Emir of Kaiama, Alhaji Muazu Omar.
Hon. Zakari Mohammed representing Baruten/Kaiama Federal Constituency and Adamu Yakub, the Chairman of the Transitional Implementation Committee in Kaiama Council, attended the finals of the competition.
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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