Sports
Nigeria Vs Liberia: Keepers’ Form Excites Shorunmu
Super Eagles’ Goalkeepers Trainer, Ike Shorunmu, in Calabar
expressed his excitement at the readiness of the team’s goalkeepers for
tomorrow’s match against the Lone Stars of Liberia.
The team’s Media Officer, Ben Alaiya, told newsmen that
Shorunmu was in a buoyant mood this week in training.
“After the team had its second training session at the U.J.
Esuene Stadium in Calabar, Shorunmu was really excited with what he saw.
“At the time of the session, Shorunmu was the only coach
that had his team of players: Vincent Enyeama, Austin Ejide and Chigozie Agbim,
in camp.
“He promptly seized the opportunity of the goalkeepers’
early arrival to drill them maximally and he came away smiling at their form.
The former Stationery Stores FC of Lagos and Besikstas FC of
Turkey goalkeeper, was said to be spoilt for choice because the goalkeepers
were all in top form.
He added that all they needed was a little pep-up from the
public perception of them and that they (the technical crew) were already
getting results even on that.
Alaiya further quoted Shorunmu to have called on Nigerians
to always support the team and not to put the blame of any mishap in games at
the doorstep of only the goalkeepers.
“According to Shorunmu, the goalkeepers we have are some of
the best goalkeepers in the world and there is no goalkeeper, no matter how
great, that cannot make mistakes.
He said Nigerians needed to be careful with the way they
criticised the players, “so that they don’t destroy the team and even the
careers of our players”.
The Eagles who arrived in Calabar on Monday are billed to
lock horns with the Lone Stars in the crucial make or mar 2013 AFCON scheduled
for South Africa.
The first leg had ended in a 2-2 draw in Monrovia in
September and the October 13 showdown would decide the fate of the two
sub-regional rivals.
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.
-
News1 day agoPolice Arrest Nigerian, Two Others For Kidnapping In Edo
-
Business19 hours agoNERC Amends Order on Meter Tampering, Power Bypass For Discos
-
Business19 hours agoNigeria, AFC sign $1.3 billion deal to build alumina refinery
-
Nation1 day agoPerm Sec Explains Success Of FGM Elimination Programme In Rivers
-
Rivers18 hours agoKENPOLY Rector Promises To Prioritise Students’ Welfare
-
News1 day agoNDLEA Arrests Ex-Councillor With 40kg Skunk, Recovers Drugs In Diapers
-
Rivers18 hours agoADIAFRICA Flags-off Free Eye Screening Outreach In PH
-
Business19 hours agoNCDMB Signs Mgt Deal With Radisson, Edison…As Board’s 204 Rooms Hotel Open December 2026