Sports
Abia Warriors Promote Teenage Players
Ahead of the 2020/2021 Nigeria Professional Football League campaign, Abia Warriors Football Club of Umuahia has publicly unveiled its Academy duo of Henry Chinemerem Udezuka and Nwulu Prince David. The two Academy graduates are expected to campaign with the big boys next season.
The two 16 year old players who play from the midfield and attack respectively have been under the exclusive care and scholarship of the club all through their secondary school.
The two promising wonder kids caught the attention of Coach Imama Amapakabo, when they joined the team, on completing their Senior Secondary School Examination at the prestigious Carl Academy and Football College, Umuahia.
It will be recalled that the highly-rated Henry Udezuka Chinaemerem who coincidentally celebrates his birthday today, featured in the Coach Kelvin Ejeh tutored Abia Warriors U.15 team in the 2017 edition of the annual LMC/LALIGA U15 competition.
Eguma downplays Rivers United pressure despite huge recruitments
Coach of Nigeria Professional Football League side and CAF Confederation Cup campaigner, Rivers united FC Stanley Eguma has downplayed any form of, pressure on his side on the ground of signings made, stressing that there is no pressure on his side going into the next football season.
Speaking in a chat with Tidesports source, Eguma said his team already showed signs of improvement from last season’s performance where they were equally well placed on the table before the season was abruptly ended due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
He added that the signings made will only strengthen the team once the new players blend well with the old players in the team.
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.