Sports
Stakeholders Task Keshi On Transparency,Viable Team
Some football stake
holders in Enugu have urged the re-appointed Chief Coach of the Super Eagles, Stephen Keshi, to be transparent in handling the team in his second tenure.
The stakeholders, who spoke to newsmen in Enugu, said the second tenure was a chance for Keshi to show how good he is.
Team Co-ordinator of Crime Busters Football Club of Enugu, Ebere Amaraizu, expressed happiness that the Nigeria Football Association (NFA) found Keshi worthy of a second chance amidst controversies trailing his appointment.
“Keshi should make humility his watchword and carry everybody along, as football remains a game of team work.
“He should dwell more on youth development to raise a Super Eagles that will stand the test of time, a team devoid of acrimony and sentiment but of good performance,’’ he said.
In his contribution, a former Coach of Rangers International FC, John Obuh, said the appointment of Keshi was good for the team because they needed continuity.
“Thank God Nigeria has been able to settle down and the two parties, the NFA and the coach, need to work together to achieve their aim of taking the country’s football to a higher height.
“Keshi deserves the second tenure considering his achievement in 2013, when he achieved so much, within the short period he was at the helm of the Eagles’ affairs,’’ he said.
Another stakeholder, the Enugu State Director of Sports, John Eli, however said Keshi’s re-appointment as the national coach was not a totally good idea by the NFA.
“A coach is as good as his last game. Keshi won the 2013 AFCON for the country no doubt, but he failed to lead the team to qualification for the next edition.
“However, he may prove himself this time around. But there is need for the NFA to keep a check on the technical team, players and their programme.
“As for grooming young and viable players, Keshi is good at that. He has done it before, with Togo and Mali, and won the 2013 AFCON for Nigeria and he can do it again,’’ Eli said.
He however said all hands should be on deck to ensure that the employer and the employee succeed in helping Nigeria qualify for the 2017 AFCON and other future tournaments.
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.