Sports
2021 Coal City League: 15 Teams To Compete For Honours
The Coordinator of Coal City Football League, Emeka Okparaji, says 15 teams will be featuring in the 2021 edition of the league when it begins on Sunday in Enugu.
Okparaji, who said this at the pre-tournament media briefing in Enugu on Wednesday, disclosed that 15 teams from different parts of Enugu state were ready for the league.
The league is being organised by GOFEC Movies Industry Limited.
This is in conjunction with Zenith Bank of Nigeria, Enugu State Football Association (ESFA) and the state Ministry of Youths and Sports.
“It is a neighbourhood tournament whose first edition was held in 2020, with Emene United winning,” Okparaji said.
He disclosed that Coal Camp Team and Obiagu Team would play in the first match of the 2021 league on Sunday.
Speaking also at the media briefing, the Chief Executive Officer of GOFEC Movies, Donben Chisom, commended the teams which have registered for the league.
He also lauded the league’s coordinator for the success of the first edition in 2020 and called for better outing and organisation in the 2021 league.
Coach of Emene United, Tim Okoro, on his part said his team were ready for the second edition of the league.
“We won the first edition in 2020 because the Emene axis of the state is like a poultry farm for young players.
“This year, we will do all in our power to retain the trophy, because we are still hungry for more success in the league,” he said.
Callistus Ibe, the Agani Road Team’s coach, however disagreed with Okoro saying that a lot had changed since after the first edition.
He identified the Coal Camp Team rather as the “stumbling block” the Agani Road Team would need to “roll away” to become the new champions.
The 2021 league will begin on Sunday and is expected to end on December 19.
The Rangers International FC training pitch and UNEC field will serve as venues for matches in the competition’s group stage, quarter-finals and semi-finals.
Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu will host the competition’s opening ceremony, as well as the final match and closing ceremony.
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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