Sports
I Am Still Available For Super Eagles –Odemwingie
Contrary to stories that Osaze Odemwingie has opted out of the national team, the Super Eagles, the striker has said that he remains available to play for the Super Eagles if selected by Coach Stephen Keshi.
“If the coach decides to call me, I am still available to play for my country. When I decide that I want to stop playing, I will come out and say so myself,” Odemwingie told Tidesports Source.
Last weekend, Keshi was quoted as saying that the West Brom forward had ruled himself out of playing for the Super Eagles following incidents dating back to the 2010 World Cup.
“I spoke to (Odemwingie) before the Liberia game and he told me that he had decided not to play for Nigeria anymore,” Keshi had told Tidesports source.
“He told me that he has no problems with me as a person and that he took his decision even before I assumed position as national team coach.
“He said he was unhappy at how he was treated in the past in the national team. He explained that prior to Nigeria’s participation at the 2010 FIFA World Cup, he played in all the qualifying games but was dropped at the finals,” said Keshi.
But Odemiwngie on Monday clarified the situation.
“I spoke with Keshi and I told him about my unhappiness with certain things in the national team, including the fact that as a player who has served his country with full commitment for over 10 years, I got into trouble for asking to be excused from a friendly game when I had an injury.
“And I pointed out to him that it appeared the same trend was continuing under him during the game in Rwanda because of the way I was treated.
“So since I didn’t want to be seen to be destabilising the national team, I decided to stay away.
“But he explained to me that the entire team played badly and if he had his way, he would have subbed out everyone. That it was nothing personal.
“We agreed that it was a communication issue and we would continue to talk, and that was it.
“I did not say I won’t play for the national team. I am 31 now, it will be hard to play every game, but I had an open and honest discussion with the coach and I will be available when they call me.”
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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