Sports
Fans Demand Fairness Over Eagles Coach Selection
The Technical Committee of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has been urged to ensure fairness in the appointment of a new Super Eagles’ Coach.
The committee headed by the chairman of Rivers State Football Association, Christopher Green had shortlisted Samson Siasia and former Togo coach, Stephen Keshi for the job.
Both ex-internationals were expected to be interviewed this week and the successful candidate would be unveiled on November 8.
However, one of the candidates, Siasia had raised an alarm on plan by the committee to turn the interviews in favour of his rival.
Siasia alleged that the Green-led committee wants to make him an assistant to Keshi without giving him an opportunity to be properly interviewed.
Reacting, a cross-section of football fans in Port Harcourt in an interview with Tidesports called on the authorities to ensure that the issue was handled with caution.
According to Natrebo Iganibo, Managing Director of Sports Café, a popular viewing centre in the city, the coach with the best curriculum vitae should be employed.
Iganibo who tipped Siasia as the next Eagles’ coach said the Heartland coach had the necessary experience to work with Nigeria’s local and foreign-based players.
He reasoned that Siasia had been on ground and knew the strengths and weakness of the bulk of the current Super Eagles players.
“This is the reason why I think that he should be given the Super Eagles job ahead of Keshi. Siasia is one coach that knows how to rebuild a team and works mainly with young players. Besides, he is a good tactitian who has the respect of the players,” Iganibo reasoned.
In his contribution, Samuel Iyoyo, a grassroots soccer coach said although Keshi and Siasia are good coaches, they should be given a chance to convince the technical board on what to do.
He said the technical board which is made of seasoned footballers and former coaches are capable of selecting the best for the country.
Akonte Samuel
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.