Sports
Coach Expresses Joy Over Angels’ Victory
Head Coach of Rivers Angels FC of Port Harcourt Edwin Okon, has expressed satisfaction over the position of his team in their group, after the first round of the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL).
Okon disclosed this Wednesday after a match day 7 derby of the 2016/2017 NWFL played at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium, Port Harcourt.
“I thank God for the end of the first round which saw Rivers Angels on the top of the group.
Bayelsa Queens are no push overs and they tried best. If not for the mistake from my goal keeper, we would have won 2-0 today”, Okon said.
Earlier, Bayelsa Queens head coach, Tarila Okorowanta, revealed that his team did not play to instruction and that cost them the game.
It was a good game, though we lost and I expected it to be like this because my team did not play to instruction”, the former Super Eagles player”, said.
“It was a disappointing game for me and good fight from Rivers Angels, we will meet again”, he added.
Meanwhile, the match ended in a 2-1 victory in favour of Rivers Angels. Alice Ogebe scored in each half to help Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Champions; Rivers Angels secure a hard taught 2-1 win over their arch rivals, Bayelsa Queens.
Ogebe had opened scoring in the 40th minute to hand the Jewel of Rivers a 1-0 lead before half time.
However, Bayelsa Queens responded in the second half following a mistake from goalkeeper, Tochukwu Oluechi who was delivering a quick service but had her shot hit Angels central back, Gladys Akpa and it fell in front of Yetunde Adebayejo who made no mistake to level terms in the 52nd minute.
The heavy down pour could not stop the visitors from pressurising the Edwin Okon-led side as they tried to get more goals but the defence line of the host prevented them from achieving their aim.
The former Super falcons after, Okon, made some strategic changes in the 57th and 58th minute as Cythia Aku replaced Radiat Sule while Glory Iroka came on for Cecilia Nku.
In the 67th minute, Alice Ogede, headed home from a brilliant delivery by Ugo Njoku to secure the much needed victory for the Port Harcourt side as they head for the NWFL break after six matches.
With the win, the Angels wrapped up the first round as group A leaders with 11 points and will be playing away to Bayelsa Queens when the league resumes on June 7 in Nembe.
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.
-
Business1 day agoNERC Amends Order on Meter Tampering, Power Bypass For Discos
-
News2 days agoPolice Arrest Nigerian, Two Others For Kidnapping In Edo
-
Business1 day agoNigeria, AFC sign $1.3 billion deal to build alumina refinery
-
Rivers1 day agoKENPOLY Rector Promises To Prioritise Students’ Welfare
-
Rivers1 day agoDon, Stakeholders Urge Environmental Laws In N’Delta
-
Business1 day agoNCDMB Signs Mgt Deal With Radisson, Edison…As Board’s 204 Rooms Hotel Open December 2026
-
Rivers1 day agoADIAFRICA Flags-off Free Eye Screening Outreach In PH
-
News2 days agoNDLEA Arrests Ex-Councillor With 40kg Skunk, Recovers Drugs In Diapers