Sports
Soccer Fans Call For Overhaul Of Super Eagles, NFF
Soccer fans have called for the overhaul of Super Eagles and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), following their dismal performance at the current World Cup fiesta in South Africa.
Nigeria on Thursday lost 1-2 to Greece in their second Group B match and had earlier lost 0-1 in the opening game to Argentina.
The fans said that overhauling the team and the football governing body became necessary if Coach Lars Lagerback’s contract would be extended to raise a new team.
In Enugu, the fans said that the team’s performance so far in the tournament had been disgraceful, especially the encounter with Greece.
They expressed the view that the solution to the Super Eagles’ gloomy outings was the overhaul.
Benson Akigwe, a businessman, said that he was unhappy with the level of the team’s indiscipline, adding that it contributed to their loss to Greece.
“The team played without commitment and not only unfit but unprofessional in a World Cup game.
“You can’t have your cake and eat it. It will be unjust for the unprepared Eagles to beat at a well prepared side. I hope we have learnt our lessons,” Akigwe said.
He urged the Presidency to ensure that Lagerback was given the opportunity to groom fresh players and improve the quality of the nation’s football.
Nwabueze Okoronkwo, a civil servant, advised the Federal Government to immediately do away with the top officials of the NFF.
Okoronkwo urged the government to create a forum for the election of experienced people to pilot the affairs of football.
The fans in Awka called for the disbandment of the team and the football governing body.
They said the team had brought the country to a low ranking in soccer worldwide.
Fred Okoro, a trader said that the players’ “participation in the World Cup is a waste of the tax payers’ money.”
“The problem of the team is caused by the NFF which should have planned and ensured early preparation for the tournament.
“I think this team and the NFF Board should be disbanded if we want to retain Lagerback to raise a new squad for us”.
Emeka Maduka, a teacher, said football administrators should begin now to plan a programme for raising a new team.
Henry Monye, a businessman, praised goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama for his efforts and for being nominated Man of the Match in the two games with Argentina and Greece by FIFA.
In Kano, fans who said the loss to Greece was painful to them, wondered why the team would always crash out of major tournaments very early.
Abdullahi, a journalist, noted that the NFF officials had over-stayed their welcome, and “are only serving their selfish interest.”
Malam Bala Nasir, a public commentator, blamed the team’s loss on corruption.
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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