Sports
Oboabona, Mba Top Eagles List …Kenya Friendly
Super Eagles’ manager, Stephen Okechukwu Keshi has unveiled a list of 24 home-based players for the March 23 World Cup qualifier against the Harambee Stars of Kenya at the UJ Esuene Stadium, Calabar.
An official of the side, Dayo Enebi Achor said full list of foreign-based players is also expected to be unveiled tomorrow by the team’s technical crew as Keshi has mapped out plans to ensure that only fit and ready players will be invited for the clash against the East African side.
On the 24-man list is Eagles home-based captain, Chigozie Agbim, Sunday Mba, who was one of the heroes of Nigeria’s 2013 Afcon win, Godfrey Oboabona, the Sunshine Stars captain, who featured in all games of the tournament in South Africa, Gabriel Reuben, Papa Idris and goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi all made a comeback to the team.
But the surprise package in the team is Shooting Stars of Ibadan goaltender, Dele Ajiboye, who started with the U-17 and has been with the Flying Eagles, U-23 side and now the Super Eagles. A young and agile goalie, Ajiboye, is expected to bring his wealth of experience through the ranks to bear in the battle for gloves for the national team.
The domestic lads are expected to hit the Abuja camp on Sunday, March 10 from where they will be joined by foreign based players next week for the trip to Calabar, venue of the encounter.
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.