Sports
Giwa Hopeful Of Achieving Continental Target
The Interim Assistant
Coach of Giwa FC of Jos, Sammy Adesoji, has said the club’s target for continental football was on track after their 2-1 victory over visiting Lobi Stars of Makurdi.
Giwa last Wednesday came from behind after a 28 minute goal through a well taken free kick by Barnabas Imenger Junior of Lobi Stars to beat the visitors.
Amos Dadun scored half way into the second half to put Giwa level, while Hassan Babangida got the winner through a shot from outside the penalty box to give the host the maximum points.
Adesoji, who is also Giwa’s Marketing Officer, told newsmen that with the victory, Giwa was on track to bringing continental football to Jos.
“With the victory which took Giwa to the fourth position with 15 points and a game in hand, the club is on track to achieving its target of bringing continental football to Jos.
“The proprietor of the club, Chris Giwa has consistently said that he wants the club to play in the continent and the boys are well motivated to achieve that,’’ he said.
Adesoji said the club had three consecutive away fixtures but expressed optimism that his side would get valuable points from the matches.
“We will be playing Heartland of Owerri, Bayelsa United of Yenagoa and Sharks of Port Harcourt and we are trusting God to get good results from the matches,’’ he said.
The interim coach appealed to the club’s fans not to waver but to remain resolute in supporting the club and assured them that they would not let them dow.
Before returning to premier league matches, Giwa will on Sunday play the Federation Cup final against either Mighty Jets or Plateau United.
The Federation’s Cup semi-final between Jets and United is to be played on Friday and the winner will face Giwa on Sunday in the final.
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.