Sports
Keshi Prepares For ANC Qualifiers
Stephen Keshi has said
that he is already preparing for the 2015 African Nations Cup qualifiers even though he is yet to formalise his contract extension.
Keshi is still in negotiations with the NFF, although he is expected to sign a new contract this week, but he told Sporting Life he was already speaking to his players.
“All the players are ready for the qualifiers. I am very much in touch with the players. I have called virtually all of them, and they have all expressed their readiness to honour the invitation immediately the time comes.
“The good thing is that the leagues would start before the match, and also virtually all of them are on pre-season tour with their clubs, which makes it easy for us relating to the issue of fitness,” Keshi said.
After the success of his first two years, Keshi pointed out that his second coming would be geared towards consolidation.
“Our building processes continue. In this new phase, we are now going to consolidate on whatever gains we had the last time. The areas we had lapses, we are going to fortify them, and be able to give Nigerians a very strong team that they can always be proud of.”
With reports claiming he was bound for South Africa after the World Cup, Keshi said that was only a possibility as long as Nigeria did not offer him a recall.
“I would only have considered other options if my employers NFF never needed my services. But as long as serving Nigeria is there, any other option can wait no matter the amount of money. I have sacrificed for the country as a player, so, why would I go back now,” 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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