Sports
Fans Unhappy With Keshi’s Reappointment
Soccer fans in Kaduna
have expressed disappointment with the re-appointment of Stephen Keshi as Head Coach of the Super Eagles by the Nigeria Football Association (NFA).
The coach was last week day re-engaged for two years by the association after a prolonged re-negotiation of his contract and behind-the-scenes settlements to be finally concluded.
They told newsmen in Kaduna that his return was not acceptable as he failed to secure the country the ticket to the last Africa Cup of Nations staged in Equatorial Guinea.
A former Sports Editor of the defunct Kaduna-based New Nigerian Newspapers, John Fwah, said the decision by NFA was in bad taste as the performance of the coach was poor.
“I am not happy with his return. His performance was below expectation. The team needs a serious-minded coach that will improve their performance,’’ he said.
Another Kaduna-based sport journalist, Vincent Akinbanmi, also said the decision by NFA was wrong.
“When coaches perform badly the way Keshi did, the best option is to let the coach go.’’
He said the usual practice was when you set a target and a coach failed to meet it, you allow the fellow to move on.
“I hope the decision will not further affect the backward slide of the national team in the World FIFA monthly ranking.
“Nigeria’s ranking has gone down very well. We need a good coach that will propel us forward,’’ noted Akinbanmi.
For James John, a trader, the return of Keshi as head coach “shows that the NFA has special interest in him’’.
He said his performance with the team was not encouraging and ought to be replaced.
“I don’t think the NFA made the right decision because when you look at his performance, it is below average.
“We need someone who will bring back joy and glory to the nation,” John said.
“Football is the only game that brings Nigerians together irrespective of religion and tribe. Our Eagles since Keshi took over has been boring,’’ John said.
He said the national team had always thrown away their chances of scoring goals during matches.
“Their matches are so disappointing that one begins to wonder if they train well ahead of matches.
“If we want to promote soccer, we should select a good coach that will promote discipline in the team.
“Players in the national team will need to be disciplined so that at competitions, they will realise that the game helps to promote unity in the country.’’
A sports fan, Ahmed Sani, said the way forward would be to recruit an experienced foreign coach.
“The head coach, Keshi, should be sent on attachment to be groomed for the future assignments.
“His return is unfortunate as he will take things for granted,’’ Sani 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.
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