Sports
Oliseh Fears For Nigerian Football
Former Nigeria captain, Sunday Oliseh has said that the glory days of the country’s national team would not return unless they “get their house in order”.
Nigeria have been on a downward spiral in the past year and failed to qualify for the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations.
Speaking to newsmen Oliseh said, “We have got technical problems and administrative problems – it is too much for one nation, even if you are Nigeria.
“At the moment it is bleak. We need to face up to the job and get organised.”
Oliseh knows what it takes to achieve success, having been part of the Nigeria squad that won the Africa Cup of Nations in 1994 and the Olympic gold medal two years later.
He also played at the World Cup in 1994 and 1998, helping the Super Eagles to the last-16 at both tournaments and in the latter he scored a memorable winner as Nigeria shocked Spain 3-2 in a group match.
Oliseh is unhappy about the neglect of the domestic league.
Those teams were filled with players referred to as the ‘golden generation’ of Nigerian football; among them were Jay-Jay Okocha, Nwankwo Kanu and Finidi George. But Oliseh cannot see where the next generation is going to come from.
“During the 1990s a lot of the players were products of the Nigerian league. Those who were playing in Europe had only left two or three years before. Myself, I had moved to Europe only four years before the 1994 World Cup.
“It was not as if it was Europe that made us – the Nigerian league produced us, it was so competitive then, it was viable and credible.
“The national team does not create players – you select your best players from your clubs to play in the national team.
“But now our attention is more focused on the national team and we have neglected the domestic league, that is the major problem in Nigerian football.
“If we cannot get the league in order we will never have another golden generation.”
The former Ajax and Juventus midfielder, who played 63 times for his country, is also concerned about the issues off the field.
Nigeria’s Football Federation is in disarray because of in-fighting over the presidency – ongoing battles that have led Fifa to ban the team for governmental interference in football matters.
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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