Sports
‘Players’ Poor Attitude, Bane Of Nigeria’s Football’
Soccer enthusiasts in Nigeria have continued to react to Zambia’s victory at the Africa Cup of Nations and blamed Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the competition on lack of cooperation among players.
Zambia, last Sunday in Libreville, Gabon, defeated Cote d’Ivoire 8-7 on penalties, after 120 minutes of the match had ended goalless.
It was the first time Zambia would win the championship which began as a continental competition in 1957.
Zambia nearly won the trophy in 1994 but lost 1-2 in the final to Nigeria in Tunisia, a year after the country lost almost all its players in a plane crash.
A former Head of Public Relations, Nigeria Football Association (NFA), Austin Mgbolu, told newsmen “that Nigerian stars were too full of themselves.
“I must tell you that lack of cooperation among the players really led to their downfall and Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the finals.
“Many of our big professionals think they are too big to work for their country, they feel reluctant when they are called to play for their country.
“I believe Nigeria could have won the championship as they did in 1994, when they showed the world that they were hungry for goals,’’ Mgbolu said.
According to Mgbolu, Zambia won the competition through determination.
“There is no short cut to hard work; Zambia have shown that victory is possible through determination.
“Stars on their own cannot make a team; there is need for cooperation among them in order to succeed.
“Players must learn to humble themselves and work as a team, especially for the sake of the country that expects much from them,’’ he said.
In his contribution, Ahmed Maude, President, Referee Association of Nigeria, said that Zambia played an energetic game at the tournament, which was very good.
He advised the Super Eagles to cooperate, adding, however, that there were several academies that could build young players that would play for the country in the future.
“We will ensure that players from the grassroots are managed well so as to have patriotic ones,’’ Maude said.
Also, Mohammed Ameen, a CAF Referee Instructor, said that he wanted Zambia to win, to console them for what happened 18 years ago when 25 of their players and the coach, died in a plane crash.
He said that in addition to his wish, they also played a good game, as they had trained hard.
Ameen said that though Cote d’Ivoire had stars in their team who could have won the match, but they did not go the extra mile.
“African teams have shown to the world that they are determined and patriotic and can go to any length.
“Nigerian teams are not dedicated, loyal and determined; they should try to learn from Zambia and be more committed and display patriotism.
“The blame is ours; we refused to punish them each time they misbehaved but would rather pamper them,’’ he said.
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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