Sports
BYSG To Groom 20 Footballers To Stardom
Director-General of the on-going Governor Seriake Dickson’s Football Tournament, tagged “Restoration Cup Season Two’’, Mr Onoriode Akpe, says the 20 talents discovered so far from the competition will be groomed to national and international stars.
Akpe told Tidesports source in Yenagoa at the weekend that grooming the footballers was part of Bayelsa Government’s plans to achieve needful development in the area of sports.
“The talented footballers will be taken to the Samson Siasia Football Academy in Abuja for more training for better use.
“The talents will also be going to two overseas countries, Spain and Portugal for more trainings and exposure in football.
“We are set for the second round of the competition.
“And the former Super Eagles coach, Samson Siasia and an international football scout, Friday Akoni, will be in the state to watch the second round of the tournament to pick the best 20 talents.
“There are abundant talents in Bayelsa State.
“During the first edition, 2015; we didn’t have as many hat-tricks scored as in this, but in this second edition, we have had eight hat tricks, it is outstanding.
“Our intension is to ensure that these talents are used in the feeder and main team of the Bayelsa United and other football clubs in the state, as well as developing their career in international football.
“The best 20 talents in this tournament will be sponsored for further training,’’ the director said.
Akpe expressed optimism that the second round would be more exciting, adding that the competition had kept the youth busy, thereby reducing the rate of crimes.
He thanked the governor Dickson for the opportunity given to youths to explore their abundant potential.
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.