Sports
NWFL: Rivers Angels Coach Blames Players On Carelessness …Commends Players For Victory
Even as Rivers Angels FC of Port Harcourt, thrashed her visitors, Delta Queens of Asaba 6-2 on Wednesday, Angels coach Edwin Okon has blamed his defenders for conceding what he described as cheap goals.
The encounter was one of the day two matches, of the nascent 2020/2021 National Women Professional League (NWPL) season on Wednesday, at University of Port Harcourt field.
Okon said in a post match interview that he did not expect his team to concede such cheap goals following the caliber of players in the team.
However, he expressed joy for the victory, most especially the wide goal margin.
“I am really happy.
It is a thing of joy to score six goals.
I strongly believe in my players they are really good” Okon stated.
He noted that all his players were good; adding, if a player is not good, she cannot be part of the team.
He further commended his players for their attitude towards matches.
“Once you are carrying the banner of the state you must put in your best to achieve result.”
Also speaking, the head coach of Delta Queens FC, David Eche, attributed the loss to careless mistakes, even though mistakes are part of the game.
He said will go back to the drawing board to correct the grey areas in the team.
By: Kiadum Edookor
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.