Sports
Ex-International Expresses Optimism Over Eagles AFCON Qualification
A former ex-international,
Bright Omokaro, yesterday expressed optimism that the country would qualify for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) despite recent developments in the game.
Omokaro spoke against the backdrop of Sunday Oliseh’s resignation as the coach of the Super Eagles and the appointment of Samson Siasia as the new coach.
Omokaro told newsmen in Lagos that the newly appointed technical crew possessed the quality needed to qualify the team for the nation’s cup.
He said, “Honestly, I was not expecting Oliseh to resign soon but he knows what is best for him and where the shoe pinches him.
“When Oliseh signed his contract, nobody was there and the terms of the contract were not made public for Nigerians to know its details.
“His resignation will not affect our qualifying for the tournament because we will be using the same set of players; what matters most is the coach’s relationship with the players.
“The new technical crew is competent and I believe strongly that it will be equal to the task ahead.’’
Omokaro, however, urged the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to do the needful in order to enhance the development of the sport.
“Subsequently, the NFF should make the terms and conditions for appointing coaches public; but if you do some things in secret you will get embarrassing results.
“‘For now, nobody knows whether Oliseh or the NFF is at fault.
“If the conditions and terms have been made public, Nigerians will by now know who is at fault,’’ Omokaro said.
NAN reports that Oliseh resigned his appointment as the coach of the Super Eagles on February 26.
He had cited the violation of his contract, unpaid salaries and other grievances as reasons for his resignation.
The NFF , same day, re-appointed Samson Siasia as the head coach and Emmanuel Amuneke as his assistant.
Siasia had earlier coached the Eagles between December 2010 and October 2011
Nigeria is expected to battle Egypt in a crucial 2017 AFCON qualifying match on March 25 in Kaduna.
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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