Sports
Rivers United Forward Expresses Joy Over S’Eagles Debut
Rivers United forward Ishaq Rafiu has shared his happiness over making his debut for the Super Eagles in their 2-1 loss to Mexico.
Rafiu has had a stellar campaign with the Pride of Rivers, scoring 14 goals and assisting two in the Nigeria Professional Football League. He has been brilliant all season, and he stands in good stead to win the Golden boot.
Rafiu got rewarded for his performance with a call-up to the National team for the friendly games against Mexico and Ecuador.
The 21-year-old finally got his time in Nigerian colors ten minutes from time in the Super Eagles’ 2-1 loss to Mexico.
Rafiu gave a good account of himself, making brilliant runs forward, and showing readiness to take on defenders. However, he failed to make any meaningful impact as the Super Eagles fell to a 2-1 defeat.
The Rivers United man took to social media to share his excitement at the feat.
“It was indeed a dream come through to represent Nigeria with lots of memories that will remain evergreen,” Rafiu said.
“Now, it’s time to focus on the NPFL and finished the good job we have started with Rivers United FC and chase the top scorer’s gong.”
Rafiu failed to make the squad for the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers later this month. Still, he would look to rise from the disappointment a d continue banging in the goals for Rivers United as they push for the league title.
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.