Sports
Siasia Recalls Dimgba, Begins Training
Rivers United warming up before a match
Super Eagles’ Interim
Coach Samson Siasia has readmitted into camp midfielder Stanley Dimgba, after he was suspended for reporting late to the national under-23 team’s camp.
The Tidesports reports that Dimgba, alongside defender Segun Oduduwa and midfielder Usman Mohammed, were axed on Monday by the coach.
He had barred them from entering the Super Eagles camp for lateness to camp.
“Dimgba is back to the camp because he trained with the team this evening (Monday),’’ Patrick Paschal, the Super Eagles Coordinator, told newsmen.
The trio was drafted to the Super Eagles from the under-23 team preparing for the Rio Olympics Games, ahead of senior team’s preparations for AFCON qualifying matches against Egypt.
The encounters against Egypt are scheduled to take place on March 25 in Kaduna and March 29 in Alexandria, Egypt.
Paschal disclosed that Siasia had also sent Daniel Emmanuel and Ogenekaro Etebo away for lateness, alongside Dimgba, Oduduwa and Mohammed.
“These players didn’t train with us in the morning but they joined up with the rest of the players on Monday evening training.
“Dimgba, Etebo and goalkeeper Emmanuel are training with the Super Eagles team now.
“However, as at Monday evening, Mohammed and Oduduwa were yet to join the team’s training. But, it’s likely the coach will allow them on Tuesday,’’ he said.
Tidesports reports that 11 players out of the 22 invited home-based players trained on Monday under Siasia and his assistants in readiness for selection ahead of the crucial encounter.
They are Chima Akas, Etim Mathew, Orji Kalu, Ezenwa Ikechukwu, Femi Thomas, Bright Onyedikachi, Chibuzor Okonkwo, Sincere Seth, Emmanuel, Etebo and Austine Obaraokpo.
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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