Sports
Le Guen Rejects Nigeria’s Job
Barely 24 hours after the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF announced Frenchman, Paul Le Guen as the country’s new technical adviser, the former Cameroon Coach, according to reports rejected the job claiming that NFF did not meet his contractual terms.
Tidesports had earlier gathered that despite Monday’s announcement of Le Guen by NFF, both parties were still in dispute over several terms of his contract.
“It was not a done deal as at the time of announcement, there were several major grey areas that had not been agreed between the Coach and NFF, and the appointment was based on the Coach agreeing the contract offered by the NFF”, one top official told Tidesports source.
Meanwhile, NFF President has expressed optimism that the Super Eagles will qualify for the 2018 Fifa World Cup.
Pinnick disclosed this after meeting the NFF technical committee on the choice of Paul Le Guen as new Eagles’ technical adviser.
“By God’s grace we are going to qualify. We have worked round the clock and have done everything possible. We have discussed with the players. There are a lot of things we have done. There is a level you can go in terms of providing everything,” said Pinnick.
“All what they need is mental character, we have to psyche them up. You have to give them the sense of patriotism.
“If you see what Ronaldo did, he was injured and he was crying when he was being taken out of the field. That is the kind of mentality we want our players to put up when they are playing for the team.
“Like I said, the 20 teams that qualified are all capable. I would rather play Algeria than to play Gabon.
“Gabon has never been to the World Cup and they would want to go to the World Cup. I can assure you.”
Nigeria must get past Algeria, Cameroon and Zambia to reach their sixth World Cup finals billed for Russia.
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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