Sports
Amokachi Denies Picking Eagles Versus Uganda
Assistant coach Daniel
Amokachi has tried to distance himself from the Super Eagles disastrous showing against Uganda last week by telling his bosses he did not pick the team.
A lethargic Nigeria, who handed Eagles debuts to the likes of Odion Ighalo, Moses Simon and Akeem Latifu, were upset 1-0 by Uganda in Uyo Wednesday night.
And Amokachi, who has been in temporary charge of the national in the absence of Stephen Keshi, has tried to save his own neck after angry officials led by Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) president Amaju Pinnick demanded to know why the Eagles failed to fly against the Cranes of Uganda.
One of the top officials told newsmen that they were stunned when Amokachi told them he should not be held accountable for the poor display of the Eagles because he did not pick the squad.
”He said he did not pick the team, that it was Keshi who did so. It was his own way of defending himself,” said the top official.
Amokachi’s latest self defence is not likely to go down well with ‘Big Boss’ Keshi, who could well be now having a rethink about who should assist him in his second stint in charge of the Eagles.
Keshi’s new two-year contract has been sanctioned by the NFF executive committee and he is now expected to sign it in time for the qualifying tournament for the 2017 AFCON.
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.