Sports
CAF Award: ‘S’Eagles Players Nomination Good For Youngsters’
A former Director-General of the defunct National Sports Commission (NSC), Amos Adamu, has commended the nomination of some Super Eagles players for the 2016 African Players of the Year Awards.
Adamu told newsmen in Lagos that such nominations for the GLO CAF Awards would encourage upcoming players, adding that it was well-deserved.
Four of the England-based Super Eagles players – Mikel Obi of Chelsea, Ahmed Musa of Leicester City, Kelechi Iheanacho of Manchester City and Alex Iwobi of Arsenal football clubs were nominated.
The one-time President, Organising Committee for the 8th All-Africa Games (COJA), said: “It’s a good thing that they were selected; it will sort of encourage younger players to work hard too which is highly commendable.
“Being nominated shows that you are doing enough to be recognized. Our players have been doing well, which is impressive”, Adamu said.
Since the inception of the award in 1992, Nigerian players have won the awards of four occasions.
Late Rashidi Yekini won the African Player of the Year award in 1993, followed by Emmanuel Amuneke in 1994.
Nwanwko Kanu won the award in 1996 and 1999, while Victor Ikpeba got it in 1997.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of Gabon won the 2015 edition of the awards, while Yaya Toure of Cote d’ Ivoire won it four consecutive times from 2011 to 2014.
The award is sponsored by telecommunications giant, Globacom Ltd and GLO CAF Awards.
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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