Sports
‘Iwobi Needs To Realise How Good He Is’
Alex Iwobi has been challenged by Arsenal captain Laurent Koscielny to “realise how good he could become”.
The 22-year-old forward has become a key component at international level, with Nigeria often looking to him for inspiration.
The Emirates Stadium academy graduate has, however, struggled for the level of domestic consistency that would allow him to cement a regular starting berth with the Gunners.
Arsene Wenger always believed in him whileUnai Emery has handed him a new contract and offered him four appearances this season, with a solitary goal recorded in a 3-2 defeat at Chelsea.
There is clearly plenty of potential to still be unlocked in Iwobi, though, with Koscielny of the opinion that greater self belief will help to bring that talent to the fore.
The Gunners skipper told the club’s official matchday programme: “He has huge potential and he needs to realise how good he could become.
“Right now, he is definitely on the right path to do just that. He is working hard at training and his confidence is high since Unai Emery arrived.
“If you look at him he has everything. He is strong physically, quick, good technically and his movement is good. He needs to be more efficient and clinical so he scores and assists more.
“He is very receptive and listen to advice so I have no doubt that he will continue his progression.”
Iwobi impressed on his most recent start for Arsenal, in a Europa League clash with Vorksla Poltava.
He provided the assist for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s opener in a 4-2 win for the Gunners, but was back on the bench for a Premier League meeting with Everton .
Emery gave him 21 minutes in that fixture, but Mesut Ozil, Aaron Ramsey and Alexandre Lacazette were all returned to the starting XI ahead of him.
The challenge now is for Iwobi to force his way into the reckoning, with enough ability having been shown since making his debut in October 2015 to have passed the 100-appearance mark for the Gunners.
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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