Sports
Keshi Shuns Press At Uyo
Super Eagles’ Head Coach
Stephen Keshi has in Uyo shunned the mandatory post-match briefing after his team drew 2-2 with visiting South Africa at the Ibom International Stadium.
No reason was given for his attitude by Nigeria Football Association (NFA) officials, following the Final Qualifying Group A Matchday Six tie for the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
However, his South African counterpart, Ephraim Mashaba, spoke to newsmen, saying his boys played very well.
“We only lost the game in the last five minutes played. We would have scored a third goal, but we were disorganised by the red card.
“We did well because we fielded young players five of whom play in the Under-17 and Under-20 national teams,’’ he said.
The coach said his team would be hoping to go beyond the first round at the finals in Equatorial Guinea next January.
“We hope to reach the finals in Equatorial Guinea. After all, we have played with strong teams — Sudan, Congo and Nigeria — in the qualifiers,’’ he said.
Mashaba however refused to talk about the Eagles, saying “I do not want to talk about Nigeria. Their coach can do that’’.
Also, Fanny Amun, a former national under-17 team coach, told newsmen that what happened called for a stakeholders meeting.
He said the NFA should go back to the drawing board.
“I do not want to lay blames on anybody, but we should sit down and analyse what has gone wrong and what should be put right,’’ Amun 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.