Sports
Angola, Other Countries Still Want Keshi
Even as Stephen Keshi has signifies his acceptance to continue as Super Eagles coach, it has emerged that some African countries are still after his signature
Coach Keshi is wanted by oil-rich countries Angola, Equatorial Guinea and Gabon, according to his brother.
‘Big Boss’ Keshi has formally agreed to continue as Nigeria coach after his initial contract with the Super Eagles ended with the World Cup in Brazil recently.
However, his brother Emmanuel Ado has disclosed that at least three other offers were on the table for Keshi to consider.
Angola, Equatorial Guinea and Gabon have the petro-dollars to match that of Nigeria in their quest to sign the former Mali and Togo coach.
Ado said: “Nigeria is my brother’s priority. He wants to serve his country that is why he has responded swiftly to the NFF notice of intent.
“Keshi is not keen on the money, all he wants is for both parties to keep to whatever contract is entered. But like he has said there are some salient things he expects from the NFF in the new contract.
“So, the ball is in the court of the NFF. But if it is about offers, he still has others. There have been contacts from Angola, Equatorial Guinea and Gabon, but they all have to wait because my brother wants to serve his fatherland.”
Keshi himself claimed on the eve of the 2014 World Cup that he has six offers to consider.
The 52-year-old Keshi guided Nigeria to a third Africa Cup of Nations last year and led the country to the round of 16 of the recent World Cup in Brazil.
He has maintained he has some unfinished business with the Super Eagles.
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.