Sports
Rangers Manager Urges Players To Beat 3SC
Rangers Team Manger Ameobi Ezeaku has urged the players to ensure victory over 3SC of Ibadan in their Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) Match Day 28 in Enugu on Sunday.
Speaking to yesterday in Enugu, Ezeaku said, the match against Shooting Stars Sports Club was a must win in the club’s bid to secure a continental ticket.
“Our next match is against our traditional rivals and we are looking forward to seal the three points against them.
“Remember they beat us 1-0 in Ibadan and in that match, we missed a penalty toward the end of the game.
“Our players, technical crew have given an account all that happened in Ibadan and this time around, I believe we are not going to let our fans down.
“In fact, the players have vowed to give their best and we are going for nothing less than the three points,’’ he said.
The coaches, management and the players are working assiduously to ensure that we bring smiles on the faces of our supporters at the end of the 90 minutes.
“In that, we will show the state government that we appreciate its total support,’’ he said.
He expressed regret that the club missed three points in Markudi against Lobi Stars, saying that the dynamism of football could not be over emphasised.
“Well the dynamism of football cannot be over emphasised, we went to Markudi with a team we trusted, we got early chances but we could not convert them and Lobi Stars utilised their chances against us”.
“The players fought gallantly as the Rangers we know but at the end we were not able to selvage even a point,’’ he said.
who is fit and back in training.
“We also have Nana Bonsu who is at the verge of full recovery, there is no course for alarm and we are assuring our fans that Rangers goalkeeping department has no issue,’’ he said.
He urged the players to start another unbeaten run from the match against Shooting Stars.
“Rangers will travel to Kano Pillars after Shooting Stars and then back home for Kastina United,’’ the manager said.
Ezeaku said that the six points in their next two home matches is vital to whatever ambition the club has in this ongoing season and must dig deep for it.
The defending champions occupy the 12th position on the competition’s log after 27 matches with 35 points.
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.