Sports
Why Dolphins Failed To Defend League Title
Following Dolphins FC of Port Harcourt’s inability to successfully defend their Nigerian Premier League title, the technical adviser of the club, Stanley Eguma, has attributed their failure to the non-payment of players entitlements by their sponsors.
He also stated that the poor condition of the club’s camp contributed immensely to the club’s unimpressive performance this season.
Speaking in a telephone interview, Eguma described the just concluded season as “one of the worst seasons, I have experienced, we all know that money and good environment are the most motivating factors for players, but nothing actually worked or went smoothly”.
He said that apart from the players not being paid their sign on fees and bonuses, the camp where they stayed lacked water and electricity and their morale was drastically affected.
‘You can imagine where players go out of camp to look for water to bath, the camp was also infested with mosquitoes which exposed the players to sickness.
“We expected that monies owed would come earlier which would have motivated them and it did not come as anticipated.
‘I observed that my players’ morale was very low because they harboured fears of the unknown after the league must have ended’, said the TA.
But in apparent reaction toto Eguma’s claims, the acting General Manager of the club, Mr Dumbo Awanem told sports writers that reforms would be carried in the club to ensure better outing next football season.
The reforms, according to him, has became necessary in order to get a focused team that would deliver. He said the Rivers Government, sponsors of the team, never compromised on the welfare of the team.
He said critics, who blamed Dolphins poor outing in the just concluded season on welfare should, have a re-think.
“Funds for sign on fees and match bonuses are on the way and would be paid 100 per cent as tradition.
“To the credit of the Sports Commissioner Fred Igwe shortly on assumption into office, all players and officials were paid their complete sign on fees and match bonuses being owed from the previous administration.
“I see no reason why this time would be different,” he said.
He said Gov. Chibuike Amaechi personally handed cars and cash to players and officials for winning the 2010/2011 league season.
“This alone should be a stream of inspiration that the Sports Ministry always keeps to its words. I see no reason why welfare and motivation should be excuses for failing to sustain success.
“The truth is there was a lot of divided attention at the technical crew level.
He also thanked the sponsors and fans for standing by the club while assuring that next session would be an improved outing.
Tonye Orabere
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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