Sports
Ibrahim, Two Others Dropped From Eagles AFCON 2013
Super Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi has dropped four players from his preliminary squad for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations finals.
Kilmarnock’s Rabiu Ibrahim, Kano Pillars’ Papa Idris, Henry Uche of Enyimba and Turkey-based Uche Kalu, who is injured, were released from Nigeria’s training camp in Portugal this week.
Keshi had already accepted he would be without Millwall defender Danny Shittu and Shola Ameobi of Newcastle United for the tournament.
Ibrahim’s late arrival for the camp in Portugal and lack of playing time with former Scottish club Celtic ultimately cost the former youth international his place.
The decision by Keshi means that Ibrahim can now concentrate on seizing a second chance in Scotland and make up for a ‘tough’ four years at Sporting Lisbon, PSV Eindhoven and Celtic.
The 21-year-old switched from Celtic to Kilmarnock last week after failing to become a first-team regular in Glasgow.
“It’s not just been tough, it’s been heartbreaking. You join a new club and you want to impress and show what you can do,” he told Tidesports source.
“I just need someone who believes in me and will give me a chance to make a contribution.
“I’m so eager to achieve something at Kilmarnock and be a success at this club because I now understand the Scottish game.
“This new year is something I am really looking forward to. Deeply, I hope to finally settle down this year.”
A member of the Nigeria side that won the 2007 Fifa Under-17 World Cup in South Korea, Ibrahim was hailed as a successor to Jay-Jay Okocha in the Nigerian midfield that has lacked a creative verve over the years.
Keshi is expected to have announced his final 23-man squad late yesterday, a day before the final deadline for submitting players for the tournament.
Nigeria begins their Nations Cup campaign against Burkina Faso on 21 January before Group C games against champions Zambia and finally Ethiopia.
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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