Sports
Eto’o Returns To Indomitable Lions
Cameroon striker Samuel Eto’o has announced he has ended his
self-imposed international exile.
Eto’o missed last month’s 2-0 loss to Cape Verde in their
2013 African Cup of Nations qualifier first leg in protest against the national
team set-up.
But the 31-year-old has been persuaded by Cameroon’s
government to return.
“On the request of the highest authority of the Republic, I
make myself available to the Indomitable Lions,” Eto’o said on his website.
“I am encouraged by my desire to serve my country with the
same faith, ardour and determination of 15 years ago.”
Eto’o’s decision comes after he met with Cameroon’s Prime
Minister Philemon Yang, Minister of Sports Adoum Garoua and the Cameroon team
manager Rigobert Song and coach Jean Paul Akono.
“I was received these past days by the state authorities to
discuss the present situation of football in Cameroon, and specifically the
national team,” added Eto’o, who has won 109 caps for Cameroon and scored 53
goals.
“I am convinced that together, putting aside other interests
for the country, we are capable, with God’s assistance, of giving Cameroon
football the panache, and shine of old.”
Eto’o first task will be to help the Indomitable Lions try
to overturn their two-goal deficit when they host Cape Verde on 14 October.
At stake is a place at next year’s tournament in South
Africa, and Cameroon are desperate to qualify having missed out on the 2012
finals
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.