Sports
Siasia Vows To Bounce Back To Reckoning
Ex-Super Eagles coach, Samson Siasia has vowed to return stronger from his managerial setbacks with the Nigerian national team.
Siasia was sacked in October 2011 after the Super Eagles failed to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations for the first time since 1986.
He was a popular choice after he guided Nigeria to the final of the 2005 Fifa Under-20 World Cup in the Netherlands and then the final of the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
But he fell out of favour after his team could only draw 2-2 with Guinea, in a match Nigeria needed to win to qualify for the Nations Cup in Gabon and Equatorial Guinea.
“As a former player and coach, I’m terribly sad that Nigeria did not play at the Cup of Nations, [but] I guess that absence explains why I no longer have a job,” Siasia stated.
“I’ve learned a lot from that experience and hopefully I’ll take the lessons from that into my future endeavours.
“I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: I’m sorry for letting the fans and country down.
“There is no bitterness towards those in charge at the NFF [Nigeria Football Federation], there is no point being bitter, but rather just look ahead.”
Reminded of his tainted CV after failures with Nigerian side Heartland and the Nigeria Under-20 side, the Flying Eagles in 2009, Siasia was quick to reject the word “failure”.
“I don’t think so, it was not a failure,” he said.
“I think I’m on the right path to a comeback and it will happen soon.
“I remain the only coach to have handled Nigeria at all levels in three years, it’s not an easy thing to do but lessons have been learned.
“I don’t think it’s fair to say I failed.”
In January, Siasia was one of five foreign managers auctioned off, as India announced a newly-formed Premier League Soccer (PLS) tournament.
Signed up by Durgapur FC, the former Super Eagle is confident he can use his spell in India as a springboard to greater things.
“India is the next stop and I know it’s a step toward good things. I have confidence in my own ability,” said the 44-year-old.
“It’s going to be a short-term programme, an opportunity to contribute to the development of their league in India.
“Importantly, all the people involved need to contribute positively within the given period.”
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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