Sports
Adepoju Optimistic Of Super Eagles’ Chances
Former Super Eagles midfielder, Mutiu Adepoju has expressed optimism on the Super Eagles doing very well in the forth coming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Egypt in June.
The ex-international disclosed this to Tidesports source on Saturday, while reacting to the AFCON draws which took place, Friday night in Cairo.
Tidesports source reports that the Super Eagles are drawn in Group B with Guinea, Madagascar and Burundi, a group analysts have described as relatively easy.
Adepoju however, stressed that the Super Eagles would need to prepare well and play as a team to go far in the competition.
“Yes on paper we have a relatively easy group, but the boys will have to step up their game and play as a team to go far in tournament,
“I am optimistic we can do well at tournament if we put our acts together”, he said.
The former Real Sociedad of Spain midfielder advised Coach Gernot Rohr to start preparations for the tournament early and ensure only fit and committed players were selected.
Adepoju who was part of the AFCON wining Super Eagles team in 1994 in Tunisia also called on Nigerians to support the team.
Tidesports source reports that the 32nd edition of AFCON with its expanded 24-team format will take place in Egypt from June 21 to July 19.
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.