Sports
Rohr Gives Lokosa Hope After Esperance FC Move
Ahead of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations this summer in Egypt, Super Eagles Head Coach, Gernot Rohr, has given hope to former Kano Pillars striker, Junior Lokosa to return to the national team following his move to Esperance of Tunisia during the week.
Lokosa was a last minute drop from the final list of 23 players to the World Cup finals in Russia last year and the decision generated a lot of discussion in the media because many sees the young striker as a shinning light from the repackaged domestic football league.
In an interview with newsmen in Abuja, the Franco-German tactician stated that if the player is able to prove his worth with the North African team, it will surely boost his chances to return to Super Eagles in preparation for the African elite football tournament in Egypt.
“Signing for Esperance of Tunisia is good for his career and that will help improve his goal scoring ability. Lokosa is a good player but only good outing with Esperance of Tunisia will determine his return to the Super Eagles,” he remarked.
Last Monday, Lokosa who was the highest goal scorer with 19 goals last season finally moved to Tunisia which pundits speculated was made possible on the recommendation of the Super Eagles coach because the striker did not undergo any trial before he signed the two-year contract for the club.
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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