Sports
Rio 2016: We Do Not Deserve To Be In Final -Siasia, Obi
Head Coach of Dream Team
VI, Samson Siasia, has admitted that the National team did not deserve to play in the finals of the ongoing Rio de Janeiro Olympic soccer games.
“I am disappointed; Even though we had glaring chances, we couldn’t score; we failed to untilise them. The German team did better. It is a shame.
“We did not have the right spirit for the game. May be most of them stayed up late and did not observe rest when they should.
“When you reach this level of the competition, you do not need anybody to teleguide you on how to conduct yourself to scale through.
They had the chances, am I going to get into the field of play to score for them?
“We are going to review the match and think of a strategy to win the third place match. That is what it has boiled down to. It is better than nothing.
“I am disappointed with the team; We did not play like people hungry to play in the finals at the famous Maracan Stadium,’’ Siasia said, a fact that his captain, John Mikel re-echoed, stressing, “we did not play well. We don’t deserve to be in the finals.
He adds: “In Saturday’s third place match against Hunduras, we are professional players, hopefully, we can win a medal.’’
The players, who were obviously distraught after a woeful performance that left many Nigerians in Sao Paulo disappointed, apparently took it out on the Nigerian journalists, who met them at mix zone, by shunning interaction.
Unlike their German counterparts that allowed their journalists to ask questions, the Nigerians simply worked past. We are not in the mood for questions,’’ they said.
“This is rather disrespectful,’’ Mitchell Obi, President of International Sports Press (AIPS-Africa) quipped.
The standard ethical practice the world over is to at least show some respect, or decently ask to be excused from interviews. That did not happen.
The Natioinal team lost 0-2 to Germany, the same 0-2 margin they lost to the Colombians within the same Corinthian Arena.
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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