Sports
Emenike Unhappy With Keshi’s Criticisms
Nigeria striker, Emmanuel
Emenike believes caretaker coach Stephen Keshi broke one of his own rules when he criticised the striker in an interview in the local media.
Keshi has been quoted as saying he is unhappy with the Fenerbahce striker, who he dropped to the bench in last month’s 2015 Africa Cup of Nations shock defeat to Congo in Calabar.
The coach criticised Emenike for only arriving on the eve of the game and not showing him and his teammates enough respect.
But the 2013 Nations Cup top-scorer has spoken out about his manager’s comments, and believes he made a mistake.
“There are certain things you’d not expect from your coach,” Emenike told Tidesports source.
“If there’s any problem, as a player you only want to find out directly from him and not in the media, it’s something he taught us.
“I feel honoured playing for Nigeria and I respect the coach like my own father. I give my all to the team because we are like one big family any time we all come together.
“But for him to say I am creating a problem in the team and my teammates are unhappy with me is sad and unacceptable.
“It’s like sending a wrong message to the fans, but if the coach feels my invitation will not bring the needed results or peace in the team, he can leave me out.”
It is not the first time both player and manager have clashed in the media, as they were involved in a public spat in March 2013.
Emenike criticised Keshi for ignoring and abandoning him when he suffered a long-term hamstring injury during the Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa.
The 27-year-old has been included in the Nigeria squad for this month’s Africa Cup of Nations double-header against Sudan and it is unclear whether Emenike will refuse to join up with the Super Eagles.
Stephen Keshi has refused to make any comment on the latest incident involving his star striker and will wait until his players turn up for international duty before deciding on any action.
Keshi, who led Nigeria to their third African title in 2013 and the last 16 in Brazil, must lead his side to a recovery after their poor start to qualifying for next year’s tournament in Morocco.
Following a defeat by Congo and a draw with South Africa, the Super Eagles are third in Group A, with only the top two teams guaranteed a place at the finals.
It places extra pressure on the African champions to win their match away to Sudan, which will take place on 11 October, and the return fixture four days later in Abuja.
Emenike
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.