Sports
2017 NNPC / Shell Cup: Physically Challenged Wins Best Midfielder Award
A physically challenged player in Holy Ghost College, Owerri, Imo State, Chinaemerem Iheanacho, has put his school on the Nigerian soccer chart with his Best Midfielder Award of the 2017 NNPC/ Shell Cup Championship in Lagos.
Iheanacho, who has a deformed left hand, defied the challenge to thrill fans at the final 19th edition of the annual competition for secondary school boys on Tuesday at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surelere in Lagos.
Tidesports source gathered that Holy Ghost College lost 0-2 to Henson Demonstration School, Benin at the completion where both schools were appearing for the first time.
Iheanacho, apparently happy, told newsmen that he was pleased to have won the prestigious award in spite of his school losing in the final. Tidesports also learnt that no fewer than 54,000 pupils from 2,750 schools competed for the coveted trophy from the regional to the national finals.
The tournament was sponsored by Shell Petroleum development Company (SPDC) in partnership with Nigeria National Petroleum Company (NNPC).
“I’m happy I got this award; it wouldn’t have been possible without the support of my teammates.
“Although we lost, and as painful as it is, this award is our consolation, we played well, we were not just lucky, the match officials poor officiating also helped to cost us victory”, he said.
Asked how his disability has affected him, he told newsmen that it hasn’t disturbed him from pursuing his dream as a professional footballer.
“Honestly, I have never seen my hand as a problem, it hasn’t affected me negatively in any way, I don’t have any problem at all, and it’s not even an issue to me.
“I can do virtually everything my mates are doing, so, I don’t feel disabled because of my left hand, it could have been worse but I ‘m still making an impact.
“I understand that it won’t be easy because so may people will naturally make assumptions about my ability, but awards like this will make them to see me in another light,” Iheanacho said.
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.