Sports
We’re On Course -Rohr
The Super Eagles Technical Adviser, Gernot Rohr, on Tuesday in Abuja said the team was on course for the crucial Russia 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Algeria.
Captain Mikel Obi, Ahmed Musa and 18 others yesterday took part in the Super Eagles’ first training session at the National Stadium, Abuja.
Rohr, who spoke to newsmen after the training, said the team was right on schedule ahead of the explosive encounter.
“My players showed good signs of strength and character today. It was a good test and they are in good spirit.
“Today is our first training; yesterday (Monday) we had training with one or two players, who didn’t play during the weekend.
“We have the time to execute our plan for the game between tomorrow (today) and Tomorrow.
The team was separated into three groups and began with a light walk-out and head-tennis training under the watchful eyes of Super Eagles’ Technical Adviser, Gernot Rohr and Coach Salisu Yusuf.
Mikel, Odion Ighalo, Ogenyi Onazi, William Troost-Ekong, Moses Simon and John Ogu made up the first group.
The second group had Victor Moses, Musa, Kenneth Omeruo, Kingsley Madu and Uche Agbo.
Kelechi Iheanacho, Alex Iwobi, Musa Mohammed and Wilfred Ndidi were in the third group, while goalkeepers Ikechukwu Ezenwa and Daniel Akpeyi trained separately.
“We know we have to play against the number one team in Africa; they drew their first game, so it’s very important for us to collect all three points from this game.
“We had 20 players in training today, while three others are expected to join us tonight. So, we will be complete in the evening,’’ he said.
He, however, explained that the players were trying to recover having played for their various clubs at the weekend.
“We had a light training this morning because some of the players just played two days ago and had to connect with night flights and barely arrived some hours ago.
“We also have three injuries, not so serious, but we have to be careful with everybody.
“Leon Balogun suffered a knock on the knee, while Brown Ideye and Shehu Abdullahi have problems with their ankles.
“So, I hope they will be fit to train with the rest of the team, while we wait for the three other players to join us tonight.
“They are two Portuguese players, Oghenekaro Etebo, Goalkeeper Dele Alampasu and Monaco’s Elderson Echiejile,’’ Rohr said.
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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