Sports
Mikel, 15 Others Hit Eagles Camp
Golden Eaglets captain, Musa Yahaya (left) in action against Iran, recently.
John Mikel Obi is among the Super Eagles players that have arrived Calabar for the November 16 World Cup qualifier against Ethiopia’s Walya Antelopes at the U. J. Esuene Stadium.
The Super Eagles Media Officer, Mr Ben Alaiya, said this yesterday in an interview with newsmen in Calabar.
According to him, flight hitches have delayed some of the invited players who are already in Nigeria from arriving in the Calabar camp of the Super Eagles.
He, however, said alternative arrangements were being made to enable the players connect flights to Calabar from Lagos and Abuja.
“The players who are already in the camp include Mikel Obi, Bright Dike, John Ogu, and James Okwuosa. All the home-based players are in camp.
“It is a normal process that players would not all arrive the camp at the same time, but arrangements are in place to welcome the super eagles today (Tuesday).
“There is no cause for alarm as all the players will arrive camp for the first training session at 4 p.m today, at the U. J Esuene Stadium.
“There is no closing time yet for camping, as some of the players are still being expected for the team to be in full preparation for the match on Saturday,” he said.
Alaiya urged soccer fans to support the Super Eagles, adding that by God’s grace the team would get the ticket for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
The Super Eagles had defeated the Ethiopians 2-1 in the first leg of the play-offs in Addis Ababa a fortnight ago.
Meanwhile, coach Stephen Keshi has expressed shock that only 15 out of the 25 invited players turned up for the opening day of training yesterday.
The Super Eagles began preparations for the second leg of their 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Ethiopia at the UJ Esuene Stadium in Calabar, and Keshi was not pleased at the turnout.
“I am not happy at all,” he told newsmen. “We talked about this and everyone was expected to be here today.
“But maybe because of flight issues, some people are not here and it will destabilise our programme.”
With Nosa Igiebor ruled out with injury, Keshi expected to see 24 players in Calabar yesterday afternoon.
And the former captain warned that Wednesday was cut-off date.
“Anybody who is not here by today training, is out,” he said.
Skipper Vincent Enyeama and midfielder John Mikel Obi led a posse of early birds in.
The rest included the likes of Victor Moses, Bright Dike, Austin Ejide and Elderson Echiejile, who joined the team at the stadium, where he had a heart to heart talk with Keshi.
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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