Sports
Brazil 2014 : No Automatic Eagles’ Shirt – Keshi
The Super Eagles’ Head
Coach, Stephen Keshi, has warned that there would be no ‘automatic shirt for players in the team, as it prepares for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
Keshi gave the warning in London while talking to the players as the team closed camp following a successful football year.
A statement by the team’s Media Officer, Ben Alaiya, said the players were decamped after the friendly against the Azzuris of Italy, which ended 2-2 at the Craven Cottage, Fulham, London.
“It’s time to go back and work hard for our various club sides and stay healthy, because that will form the basis for invitation when we resume next year.
“The truth is that not everybody here will go to the World Cup, but that is how football goes.
“So, those who want to be part of the team must remain fit and play regularly for their club sides,” the statement quoted Keshi as saying.
“He used the opportunity to thank the players for their commitment to the national team and wished them and their families merry Xmas and prosperous New Year in advance.
“Keshi noted that the team could have ended the year on a high note with a win against the Italians, who have won the world cup three times.
“Maybe, we had too much respect for them but I am sure that if by chance we meet at the World Cup, we will put up a better performance,” it further quoted him as saying.
The statement said that three England-based stars, Mikel Obi, Shola Ameobi and Victor Moses left the camp on Monday night for their bases, while the other players waited to leave on Tuesday.
Keshi and other officials of the team are expected back on Thursday morning, as they are expected to depart London on Wednesday night via Heathrow Airport for Lagos.
Meanwhile, the Super Eagles have pleaded with President Jonathan and Senate President David Mark, to boost the team’s morale following its qualification for the World Cup.
Goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama, the team’s Captain, who spoke on behalf of the players, noted that the support received from relevant government agencies aided the team’s qualification for the World Cup.
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.