Sports
Mikel Laments Iran’s Tactics
Nigerian midfielder John
Mikel Obi was left bitter at the manner in which opponents Iran kept the Super Eagles at bay in their 0-0 draw last Monday evening.
Stephen Keshi’s men could not break through the defensive Asian backline as Nigeria had to settle for just a point from their opening game.
And their Chelsea star was left displeased at his side’s inability to find the back of the net, which he felt had much to do with Iran’s tactics on the day.
“We are all disappointed,” Mikel said after the game.
“The first game of every tournament is very important.
“When you watch the way Iran played, they had 11 men behind the ball the entire game and it was hard for us to create chances.”
Although acknowledging that it was a difficult game, Mikel was left disappointed at Iran’s negative set-up which prevented his side earning maximum points in their crucial World Cup opener.
“They sat back and it became difficult,” said the 27-year-old.
“It was a game we wanted to win, but they wanted to play a bit different.”
Nigeria now faces a difficult task in progressing from Group F, with fixtures against Argentina and Bosnia-Herzegovina still to come.
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.
-
Business4 days agoNCDMB Signs Mgt Deal With Radisson, Edison…As Board’s 204 Rooms Hotel Open December 2026
-
Business4 days agoNERC Amends Order on Meter Tampering, Power Bypass For Discos
-
Rivers4 days agoKENPOLY Rector Promises To Prioritise Students’ Welfare
-
Business4 days agoNigeria, AFC sign $1.3 billion deal to build alumina refinery
-
News4 days agoPolice Arrest Nigerian, Two Others For Kidnapping In Edo
-
Business4 days agoFG engages foreign investors at PEBEC Roundtable on business environment reforms
-
Sports4 days agoYenagoa City Set For Maiden 10km Marathon
-
Rivers4 days agoDon, Stakeholders Urge Environmental Laws In N’Delta