Sports
Rivers Para Athletes Appeal To Governor for Sponsorship
Para athletes in Rivers State have appealed to the Governor of the State, Sir Siminialayi Fubara, to approve and release funds to enable them to attend the forthcoming Nigeria Para Games, scheduled to be held in Abuja from 23rd March through 1st April 2026.
According to them, they have intensively trained and prepared for the games and promised to make the state proud as usual, as they have not failed to make a statement in any of the competitions attended.
They noted that such tournaments make them happier in life and forget that they are physically challenged.
“We are appealing to our sports-loving governor, Sir Siminialayi Fubara, to approve and release funds to enable us to attend the third edition of the Nigeria Para Games in Abuja.
“We know that he will do it because he has not failed us before, but our worry is that the date is getting closer; that is why we are panicking.
“Our team will surely make the state proud as we used to do. Sometimes when we attend these sports tournaments and competitions, it makes us happy,” they stated.
In a separate interview with Tidesports yesterday, one of the coaches, Peter Ambakaderemor, commended the governor for what he has been doing in terms of sports development, saying that he knows they will attend the games as the governor will release money.
2nd
Organisers Unveil Routes For Yenagoa City International 10km Road Race
Excitement is building in Yenagoa as athletes and road-race enthusiasts prepare for the highly anticipated Yenagoa City International 10KM Race 2026 scheduled to take place on April 4, 2026, in the capital of Bayelsa State.
The event is expected to attract elite runners from Nigeria and across the world, alongside local athletes and fitness enthusiasts eager to be part of a race designed to promote healthy living, sports tourism, and community participation.
The race will start at Opolo Roundabout along the Isaac Boro Expressway and finish at Peace Park Square on the Mbiama–Yenagoa Road, with the starting gun set for 9:30 a.m. and a race cut-off time of 12:30 p.m.
Organizers, Nilayo Sports Management Ltd. have also announced a lucrative prize structure to reward outstanding performances, with elite male and female winners set to receive $5,000 for first place, $3,000 for second, $2,000 for third, $1,000 for fourth, and $500 for fifth, while the indigenous category will reward the best local runners with ?1,000,000 for first place, ?500,000 for second, ?250,000 for third, ?150,000 for fourth, and ?100,000 for fifth.
The race, supported by key athletics stakeholders including the Athletics Federation of Nigeria, is part of ongoing efforts to position Yenagoa as a major destination for sporting events while creating opportunities for athletes to showcase their talent on an international stage.
CEO of NSML, Mrs. Yetunde Olopade said the event will not only deliver a thrilling competition but also celebrate the spirit of sportsmanship and unity as the city prepares to welcome participants and spectators for a memorable day of athletics.
By:Tonye Orabere
Sports
Amusan places third in Diamond League opener
The Nigerian, who arrived in China fresh from winning gold at the African Senior Athletics Championships in Ghana earlier on Wednesday, clocked a season’s best of 12.41s behind Olympic champion Masai Russell and Bahamian star Devynne Charlton.
Russell produced a dominant display to win the race in a meeting record and world-leading time of 12.25s, improving on her previous world lead of 12.40s.
Charlton, the reigning world indoor champion, finished second in 12.38s in one of her strongest outdoor performances to date.
Amusan, whose world record of 12.12s remains the fastest time ever run in the event, improved significantly from her previous season’s best of 12.84s set during her victorious outing at the African Championships in Accra.
The 29-year-old was competing in a stacked field that included reigning world champion Ditaji Kambundji of Switzerland, Jamaican pair Megan Simmonds and Ackera Nugent, China’s Wu Yanni and Americans Tonea Marshall and Danielle Williams.
Kambundji, who won the world title in Tokyo last year with a Swiss record 12.24s, finished fifth in 12.82s, while Jamaica’s Nugent placed sixth in 12.98s.
Marshall and Williams failed to finish the race.
Following Amusan’s victory in Accra, the three-time Diamond League final winner expressed gratitude to her supporters while insisting she remained determined to achieve more success this season.
“Beyond grateful to God, my team, supporters, and everyone who continues to believe in me through every season. Historic feeling. Still hungry for more. The mission continues,”
Sports
Falcons To Tackle Senegal in Pre-WAFCON friendly
The 10-time African champions are scheduled to take on the Teranga Lionesses on June 5 and 8 at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, Ogun State, in what will form a key part of their build-up to July’s continental tournament.
The fixtures were confirmed on social media platform X by Super Falcons Show, which announced the details of the encounter and venue.
“Nigeria’s senior women’s national team, the Super Falcons, will take on Senegal Women’s National Team in a double-header international friendly scheduled for June 5 and 8,” the post read.
“Both matches will be played in Ikenne, Nigeria.”
The friendlies come after Nigeria’s proposed training tour of the United Kingdom, which included a planned match against Jamaica, was cancelled due to scheduling complications linked to FIFA’s official women’s international window. The timing meant clubs would not have been obliged to release players.
With that tour shelved, the Senegal fixtures now offer a timely opportunity for coach Justine Madugu and his technical team to assess squad options, test tactical systems and strengthen team cohesion ahead of the WAFCON campaign and longer-term qualification targets for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
Senegal are expected to provide a competitive regional test, with their physical style and disciplined organisation likely to offer Nigeria a different tactical challenge across both matches.
The Super Falcons, who have dominated African women’s football for decades, will be aiming to use the double-header to fine-tune preparations as they pursue another continental title in Morocco next year.
Sports
Okpekpe Road Race Unveils Partners, Appoints Dr. Bojuwoye
Dr Bojuwoye, a seasoned medical professional with extensive experience in road running events across Nigeria, is expected to bring added value to the race through his expertise.
As medical director, his responsibilities will include overseeing emergency medical response, coordinating first aid stations along the course, ensuring athlete safety, and supervising medical volunteers and paramedics.
His role is critical in safeguarding the health of both elite and recreational runners, as well as spectators.
In addition to unveiling its new medical director, the organisers also announced five corporate partners for the 2026 edition.
The Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN), Petralon Energy, Razzl Drink, Dan Oil, and Carloha Motors have joined as sponsors, reflecting the race’s growing appeal across diverse sectors of the Nigerian economy.
The Okpekpe race, organised by Pamodzi Sports Marketing Company, has steadily risen in prominence since becoming the first road race in Nigeria to earn World Athletics label status in 2015.
It has since advanced to Gold Label Race status, attracting elite athletes from around the world and cementing its reputation as one of Africa’s benchmark road-running competitions.
Edo State, under the leadership of Governor Monday Okpebolo, has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the race, citing its role in promoting tourism, community pride, and international recognition for the region.
Race Director Zack Amodu noted that the new partnerships underscore the event’s stature and its impact beyond sport.
We are delighted to welcome DBN, Petralon, Razzl, and Carloha Motors as partners for the 11th edition. Their support, alongside the backing of Edo State, not only strengthens the race but also reinforces its role as a platform for promoting excellence, youth empowerment, and community development,’ Amodu said.
Beyond its sporting significance, the Okpekpe International 10km Road Race has become a catalyst for social, health, and economic benefits.
It encourages fitness and healthy lifestyles, fosters social cohesion by bringing communities together, and generates economic activity through tourism, hospitality, and local commerce.
The event also showcases Edo State’s cultural vibrancy while contributing to Nigeria’s growing reputation in global athletics.
The 11th edition is expected to draw elite athletes, local participants, and international attention, further consolidating Nigeria’s place on the global athletics calendar.
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