Sports
Ghana Friendly, Preparation Towards Madagascar Game – Siasia
Chief coach, Samson Siasia says the Super Eagles friendly match with the Black Stars of Ghana in London is a preparation towards the crucial Group B Africa Cup of Nations qualifier coming up in Madagascar on September 3.
Siasia, in an interview with The Tide Sports at the Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa said “we are prepared for the Ghana friendly match and we have picked our players and hopefully the players will come out to play with enthusiasm and dedication. I think for now, we have a very good team.”
He assured Nigerians that the Super Eagles would go to Madagascar with high hope and that with the kind of players assembled, “we will come back with a win,” adding, “hopefully, we will do well and we will qualify for the Nations World Cup.”
According to him, the Madagascar match is a more crucial one, while “the Ghana match is just going to have fun, but it’s a preparation towards the Madagascar match.”
Asking Nigerians for their encouragement and prayers, the chief coach appealed to the people to forget about the past and focus on the future matches to come, saying “we did the best we could at Ethiopia. That we did not carry the cup is not the end of the world but the issue is that we have to qualify.”
In another interview, Super Eagles Captain, Joseph Yobo said “we are going to make sure we do our best and hopefully, God is going to crown our efforts.”
Yobo said they have learnt from their past mistakes but that if they win the Ghana match and lose the Madagascar game, it will be a disaster.
As he put it, “we must make sure we get the three points,” pointing out that the inclusion of Super Eagles striker, Peter Osaze Odemwingie in the selection is good because he is one of their key players.
“This is a new beginning and we are growing. We keep getting better every day, Yobo stressed and disclosed that he will soon come up with a programme aimed at promoting football in his home state, Rivers.
Shedie Okpara
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.