Sports
‘Rohr Should Watch Home-Based Eagles Play In Morocco’
A renowned sport analyst, Tayo Balogun yesterday urged Super Eagles coach, Gernot Rohr, to join the home-based team currently participating in the 2018 Championship for African Nations (CHAN) in Morocco.
Balogun told newsmen on telephone from his base in the U.S. that Rohr, by so doing, could discover some additional players for the World Cup-bound Super Eagles.
“I believe he should be resident in Morocco all through this competition and see the Eagles in action.
“He should see if there’s any player or players that can make his team to the World Cup. It’s very possible that he can discover a player that can make an impact at the World Cup.
“ I also want him to know that anything can happen between now and when the World Cup begins.
“Injury can come to any player and a coach must have a pool of players that can be brought to the team at short notice, “ he said. The analyst, however, expressed his concern on the quality of opposition the Super Eagles would tackle in the upcoming friendly matches that have been lined up by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).
“By now we should have known all the teams we are playing friendly matches with and why we are playing against them.
“The World Cup is starting shortly after the end of the European league season and some players will need some sort of rest.
“I hope Rohr is taking this into consideration and keeping them ready to play the matches, “ he 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.