Sports
I’m Not A Robot – Balogun
No apologies, just acknowledgement of a “miscued pass” to Ikechukwu Ezenwa that led to a goal, that’s all Leon Balogun has offered after Nigeria’s 2-0 defeat to Madagascar, as he puts on a brave face and said he is not a robot.
That error perhaps depleted the puff of the Super Eagles and boosted the confidence of the 108th ranked team in the world to go for the kill.
It was a matter of punching above their weight, but the underdogs stood tall and put another one past Ezenwa to run away with a very comfortable 2-0 victory and the bragging rights as group B winners.
However, whilst fans await some deeper explanation for that “humiliating” defeat from the Head Coach, Captain or anyone else in the team, Balogun has offered his side to the fiasco at the Alexandria Stadium.
The 31 year-old is moving on from that mistake and is leaving behind anyone still stuck on stupid.
“Bad days happen we had a bad day we tried it wasn’t enough but we still qualified and that’s what we should focus on and get ready for the next game,” he told Tidesports source.
“I made one mistake that led to a goal; played one miscued pass to the goalkeeper apart from that I think I defended everything I needed to defend and I know people will only focus on that mistake but that’s not what I’m going to do.
“I didn’t make that mistake on purpose it definitely doesn’t feel good. It was just a bad game for the whole team. It is football and these things happen and we’re all human beings; I’m not a robot.
“I can’t guarantee that mistakes won’t happen, so I will never say that. But of course if you had a mistake like that then you don’t want to do it again, but you can’t make any promises on that one.”
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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