Sports
Midfield doesn’t win matches, declares Amodu
Says, ‘we know how to play to win despite lapses’
By Christian Okpara
SUPER Eagles’ coach, Shaibu Amodu, believes that Nigeria can defeat host, Tunisia, in Tunis despite the lapses in Nigeria’s midfield.
Speaking to journalists last weekend on the Eagles’ chances against the North Africans this weekend, Amodu said that Nigeria has learnt to win without the midfield, adding that he has players that would beat Tunisia. According to the coach, “midfield doesn’t win matches. It is only a bridge between the defence and attack.
“We know how to play to win despite the lapses in our midfield. But we are working on that department. We will address the problem, but in the interim, we will find a way of winning our matches.”
He promised to present a different team from the one that defeated Kenya 3-0 two weeks ago in Abuja, stating: “No two matches are the same. In the game against Kenya, we played against a team coming from high altitude with a lot of stamina to burn, while my boys came from Europe. It was easier for the Kenyans, but we adjusted well to win. But one or two players got things wrong.
“One thing we have learnt is that every African team wants to beat Nigeria. To them, that is enough achievement, so we are not surprised when a team like Kenya wanted to die on the pitch against Nigeria.”
He added: “The match against Tunisia will be a different ball game. They are a more formidable team and our players understand the challenge before them. They have promised to win in Tunis and we believe them.”
On Sunday, Amodu led the team on a training tour of Malta to prepare for the clash with Tunisia. The team is expected to depart for Tunis on Thursday.
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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