Sports
Chairman Okays Rivers United’s Players, Mgt Sack Threat
The reading of the riot act to players and management of Rivers United Football Club of Port Harcourt by the Rivers State Commissioner for Sports, Boma Iyaye has been commended by major stakeholders in the sports industry.
Iyaye last week told the management and players of the state owned football club to improve on their performance and win matches or face sack action.
This came shortly after the team played one all draw with Kano Pillars, in a recently scheduled Nigeria Professional Football League (NPEL) match.
In his reaction, the Chairman of the Supporters Club, Franklin Owhor said, the decision of the Commissioner was timely and a welcome idea, because as the head of administration it was imperative to put in measures to get good results.
“To me I support the riot act, because it is part of administration to ask for result. If he did not act that way people will say he does not know his job”, Owhor said.
The supporters club’s boss used the forum to advise all departments of the club to work together in harmony to achieve the desired goal for the sponsors, fans and supporters club.
The immediate past chairman of the supporters club, Otis Asonye also supports the Commissioner’s position, to enable the players and management to do the needful.
“I must say that, that is the right thing because that will ginger them to step up their play.
Government has done their part by giving them the best pre-season preparations, in fact, took them to Spain, paid salaries and allowances promptly.
Consequently, the club should also justify and reciprocate government gesture”, Asonye said.
He further applauded the governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, Commissioner For Sports, Boma Iyaye and the current Chairman of the Supporters Club, Franklin Owhor, for making the club great.
Tonye Orabere
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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