Sports
Osaze Rates Emenike High
Super Eagles forward Osaze Odemwingie has declared that fellow Eagles striker Emmanuel Emenike is a huge talent, even though he is short on international experience.
Odemwingie also spoke about forward Obafemi Martins and released CSKA defender Chidi Odiah in an interview with Tidesports said despite what looks like an early battle for form, he can still replicate the form which saw him hit 15 goals in the English Premier League last term.
“In the national team of Nigeria, I have only met twice with Emenike. Obviously, Emenike is a talent and can only get better, but he lacks international experience.
“There was a very funny incident in training. Coach Siasia divided us into two groups.. Suddenly, the coach turns to Emenike: “I heard you are very sharp…Hold the ball, show me!
“The coach set Emenike against five defenders and gave a whistle. Emenike beat all in turn and shot on goal – goalkeeper parried.
“Everyone laughed, because they understood what the coach was looking for.
“He wanted to bring a good example for all: there is safety in numbers; you have to play only by passing. Emenike proved the opposite – it was a small miracle,’’ said Osaze, who says he wishes to continue playing at the highest level for the next five years.
Recently, it was announced that out of favour Nigeria defender Chidi Odiah had been released by CSKA Moscow.
“I feel sorry for him. After all, Chidi was the best defender of CSKA. CSKA won the UEFA Cup and the championship. But the last year and a half he has not been able to build on it.
“A couple of weeks ago I spoke with Chidi. I carelessly said, “You have a contract with CSKA Moscow, you’re probably going to wait for it to end?” So Chidi just exploded. As I understand it, he can change his club. I hope, he finds a club in Europe. Maybe in Russia. Chidi is very fluent in Russian, almost without an accent.’’
On Rubin Kazan forward Obafemi Martins, Odemwingie said: “I saw him in London a few days ago and I asked: “How are you?” “Even better,” he said.
“Obafemi frankly admitted that in the first year in Rubin Kazan, he felt unwell. Then came the injury. Now he is better, I do not exclude that he will continue his career in Kazan.’’
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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