Sports
Stakeholders Caution Eagles On World Cup Selection
Swimmers struggling for honours during a national event in Port Harcourt, Rivers State recently. Photo: Chris Monyanaga
Football stakeholders in
Enugu have cautioned against undue pressure on the Super Eagles technical crew in the selection of players for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
Some of the stakeholder who spoke to newsmen said that people should not manipulate the technical crew or impose any player on them.
A director in the Enugu State Ministry of Sports, Mr Edwin Eze, said the call was vital because football neophytes were trying to put pressure on the technical crew and the football governing body.
“This demand is being unleashed on the Nigeria Football Association (NFA) and the World Cup team crew.
“The NFA is determined to ensure that the team performed well at the Mundial but some people are trying to force players on the technical team.
“First, we should understand that the players are selected based on the coaches discretion.
“Beside, Nigeria is blessed with players around the globe but not all would represent us at World Cup.
“I believe Keshi will do well if he is given a free hand with the World Cup players’ selection,’’ Eze said.
The sports director said that players like Mikel Obi, Godfrey Oboabona, Ramon Azeez and Ejike Uzoenyi to mention but few should not be over looked at the final screening.
In his reaction, a former Rangers player, Nwabueze Nwankwo, said it was the technical team’s final list that will prevail.
“As a patriotic Nigerian, I nurse the hope of the Super Eagles winning at the summer World Cup but let’s not forget that experience matters.
“Well, the coach knows this because he has played at that level and has coached different national teams,’’ Nwankwo said.
Another Rangers former player, Dominic Nwobodo, also said that the call for the recall of the experienced players was okay.
“ It will bring out the best in the new players. Energetic and experienced players should be invited for the World Cup,’’ he said.
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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