Sports
Mikel Not A Must In Eagles -Ikpeba
Gernot Rohr’s decision on player selection has been apt, including leaving out Captain John Obi Mikel again, according to ex-Nigeria international Victor Ikpeba.
Last Monday, Rohr named a 23-man squad for the African Cup of Nations qualifier against South Africa and Uganda friendly and the Tianjin Teda midfielder was a notable omission.
Mikel has yet to return to international duty ever since captaining the country at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
While prior omissions had uncertainty about the former Chelsea player’s fitness, this, however, seems way off as the 31-year-old was on parade for his club Tianjin Teda last Sunday, scoring one of their goals in another loss.
However, Ikpeba does not see it as an issue, trusting Rohr with his judgements.
“Mikel is not a must in Eagles. I understand the coach,” Ikpeba said on Monday
“Mikel has been a fantastic player for the national team for more than a decade. And I understand that the skipper and the coach have a great relationship but we don’t know why he was not invited.
“But this is great for the team and great for the young set of players that they can do without Mikel and without Victor Moses. The team has been brilliant without them and the coach has been apt with the decision,”
New faces in the list include Villarreal, starlet Samuel Chukwueze, while FC IfeanyiUbah’s defender Olamilekan Adeleye will stand a chance for his competitive debut. Mikel Agu returns to the fold after missing out on a World Cup spot, with young striker Victor Osimhen also handed a call-up.
On the standby list, Henry Onyekuru and Chidozie Awaziem are joined by three home-based professionals.
On November 17, the Group E leaders take on South Africa at the FNB Stadium and three days later, they play Uganda in a friendly billed for the Stephen Keshi Stadium.
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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