Sports
MFM Showers Encomiums On Players Over Performance
Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries FC Assistant Coach, Alli Suleman Obinna has showered praise on his team after their 1-1 outing against Katsina United on Wednesday.
Alli Suleman, who led the team to Katsina in the absence of Head Coach Fidelis Ilechukwu, who is on national assignment with the Nigerian Olympic team showered encomium on the players for their worthy performance in an interview with Tidesport source.
“First and foremost, I want to thank God Almighty because Katsina is not an easy place for us to play and get what we have got.
“I really want to applaud the boys for the way they approached the game and at the end of the game we got the one point notwithstanding we still need to prepare and forge ahead for the remaining matches so that we can be in a better position at the end of the season,” he said.
MFM FC were forced to a 1-1 draw to extend their lead in Group A with six points in a rescheduled fixture of Matchday 9 of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) decided at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium.
The hosts dominated the larger part of the first 45 minutes of the proceedings with several attempt on goal and precise attacking moves but MFM FC goalkeeper Folarin Abayomi stood his ground and made series of saves.
Katsina United were awarded a penalty in the 17th minute of the game when Abisoye Olawale mistakenly handled the ball in his box. Destiny Ashadi stepped up and took the spot kick but Folarin denied him after a big save.
The Changi Boys had a chance to score the first goal on the half hour mark off a nicely executed free kick taken by Ashadi but his attempt and a rebound from Martins Usule hit the cross bar.
With one minute to wrap the first half, Chijioke Akuneto raced on to a lovely pass from Elijah Akanni who had earlier initiated a move from midfield and put the ball beyond Dami Paul with a screamer from way out.
The hosts drew level in the 70th minute of the exchange through Usule’s close range finish. Katsina United made several attempts to score the second goal but the youthful MFM side thwarted all their moves.
The Olukoya Boys maintain top spot in Group A of the NPFL standings with 22 points from 11 league matches.
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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