Sports
Akanni Dismisses Bribery Allegation Against Siasia
Ex-international, Wahidi Akanni, yesterday described the recent allegation against Samson Siasia, that he demanded bribe from a player in order to play him in the national team as hilarious.
Akanni said this in an interview with newsmen in Lagos.
Tidesports source reports that a Nigerian footballer Dickson Nwakaeme, a professional footballer who plays as forward for Pahang FA in Malaysia League alleged that Siasia asked for bribe in order to play at the Beijing 2008.
“Siasia has a penchant for excellence, if you are not good enough, you can’t be on his team. This player in question, was he at any time better than a Mikel Obi or any member.
“Let him come out with proof to his claim, you just don’t come out to discredit an honourable person, Siasia’s record of selecting credible players has made him who he is not just in Nigeria but in Africa,’’ he said.
The former Chairman of Lagos FA told Tidesports source that probably Siasia’s backroom staff could be guilty of such allegations.
“There are dubious people everywhere, they could be using Samson’s name to front, and because they work with him so it will be hard to doubt them.
“People can recommend people, and it’s left for the coach to filter through and decide on who can deliver, a lot of things can happen seriously,’’ he said.
Tidesports source reports that David Alaba, Bayern Munich Star also alleged that he was asked to pay bribe to play in the Golden Eaglet at the South Korea tournament.
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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