Sports
Keshi Eager To Continue As Nigeria Coach
Stephen Keshi has said he
would love to stay on as Nigeria manager despite a difficult three years at the helm.
The 52-year-old led Nigeria to her third African title in 2013 and the last 16 at the World Cup in Brazil.
The Nigeria Football Federation, which allowed Keshi’s contract to expire after the World Cup, has opened discussions with him in a bid to retain him as Super Eagles coach.
And it is understood that the coach is keen to continue if given another opportunity.
Keshi is the first and only Nigerian to lead the country to an Africa Cup of Nations title, as well as to the last 16 of a World Cup
His previous reign as coach was littered with problems over money, as he experienced a number of delays in receiving his salary, and issues around his control of team selection.
The football authority also failed to provide Keshi with an official car and accommodation as stipulated in his previous three-year contract.
The former Nigeria captain was also burdened with the responsibility of paying one of his assistants from his monthly-salary after the NFF refused to approve the assistant’s appointment.
These are some of the issues Keshi wants ironed out before he commits himself to a new contract with the NFF.
However, Nigeria’s sports ministry is understood to feel Keshi has made” outrageous” demands over a new deal.
He has reportedly sought a new deal that would double his $30,000-a-month salary, ensure monies are paid upfront to avoid delays and also allow him to pick his staff.
But following a meeting of the NFF executive committee this week, the board “mandated the technical sub-committee to open channels of communication with Stephen Keshi with a view to extending his contract, as the NFF is still interested in working with him”.
It added: “The technical sub-committee is to report back to the executive committee within one week.
Nigeria gold medallist, in the ongoing Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Chika Amalaha provisionally suspended for failing drugs test
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.