Sports
W’Cup Fallout: Amiesimaka Harps On Structured Football Dev Programme
A former Green Eagles player, Adokiye Amiesimaka, has called for the setting up of a well-structured football development programme that will capture youths from eight years old to 19.
He said in an interview with newsmen in Lagos last Wednesday that doing so would ensure grassroots development of the game and enable the country’s national teams to perform creditably at global competitions.
Amiesimaka was speaking against the backdrop of Nigeria’s exit from the ongoing 2018 Russia World Cup after the Super Eagles’1 – 2 loss to Argentina.
“The players did their best, but until we start from the basics, until we have a structured process of youth football development, we will not do better than we have been doing overtime.
“We need to set up a youth development programme that will enable us to catch players young especially in their formative years, from the ages of eight to 17.
“Until we go back to the basics of a structured programme we cannot develop and be consistent.
“And the structured development programme is in phases – from Under 12, to Under 15, Under 17, Under 19, then to the senior level.
“That is how it is done.’’
The former attacking winger praised the Super Eagles for a brave performance against their perennial adversary, Argentina, at the World Cup, but said that the team lacked the extra punch to upset the two-time World Champions.
Tidesports source gathered that the Super Eagles were five minutes away from pulling off a 1-1 draw, which would have been enough to qualify Nigeria for the Round of 16.
Unfortunately the Argentines were able to earn the win they needed to qualify for the Round of 16 ahead of Nigeria, who finished third in the group with three points after losing two matches (to Croatia and Argentina) and winning one (against Iceland).
Argentina earned four points at the group stage having won one match (against Nigeria), drawn one (against Iceland) and lost one (to Croatia).
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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