Sports
Ex-Eagles Keeper Urges Promotion Of Dream Team VI
Ex-Super Eagles goal
keeper, Willy Okpara, yesterday called for a gradual promotion of some members of the National U-23 team to the Super Eagles.
Okpara, the Team Manager of Orlando Pirates FC, made the call in an interview with Tidesports source in Soweto, South Africa.
“The present U-23 team players are good. They really impressed me during their game against Congo. I will suggest that the core of the U-23 team be sent to the Eagles.
“The selected U-23 players should join the younger players in the Eagles and we will have a formidable National team,’’ he said.
According to him, the present National U-17 team should be promoted to the U-20 while the U-20 team moves up to become the new U-23 team.
“I believe that with this process, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) will not lack players to constitute the National teams. Nigeria is blessed with abundant stars, ready to do the nation proud,’’ he said.
The former goalkeeper observed that in their match against Congo, there were some good players that could be invited into the Eagles.
He said that this could forestall the frequent disbanding of the national teams, only to start rebuilding with brand new players.
On Sunday Oliseh, Okpara said that his appointment as Eagles’ head coach was a step in the right direction.
“He is the best so far. Sunny does not take nonsense from anybody and he is the best for the nation. I appeal to the NFF to give him the free hand to work and he will deliver,’’ he 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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