Sports
HOS Cup: Semi Final Matches Begin . Special Duties, Sports Seek Final’s Ticket
The 2013 Rivers State Civil Service Football Competition, known as the Head of Service, HOS Cup inters the semi final stage today.
The first semi final match pitches the Ministry of Special Duties, who overwhelmed their civil service commission counterparts 4-0 in their quarter final match on Friday, and Ministry of Sports, 2-0 winners over Ministry of Information and Communications at the last eight stage, also on Friday.
Now, the two teams, in a match up the special duties team is seen as an over whelming favourite will seek to see who grabs the first ticket for the ultimate match of the competition.
Before the semi final clash however, the Ministry of Transport and the Government House team, best losers of the round of 16 stage, will clash in the final quarter final match.
Both teams had lost 0-1, respectively, to their last 16 opponents but had to advance to the quarter final stage to make up the stage’s fixtures.
Now, they have the opportunity to progress to the last four stage, where Ministry of Justice will be waiting tomorrow.
On Friday, Ministry of Justice, determined to have a shut at the trophy edged out enterprising opponents, Ministry of Health 4-1 on penalty shootout.
Both teams, despite spirited displays, could not be separated at full time and the tie had to decided through the lottery of penalty kicks.
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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