Sports
Rohr Name, Uzoho’s Replacement, Soon
Gernot Rohr says the technical crew is still keeping their options open regarding a replacement for injured first-choice goalkeeper Francis Uzoho.
Uzoho has been ruled out of action for the rest of the season after sustaining a horrific injury in Super Eagles 1-1 draw with Brazil at the Kallang National Stadium in Singapore last Sunday.
Uzoho was replaced by Fortuna Dusseldorf’ of Germany’s goalkeeper Maduka Okoye who went on to have a debut to remember.
Rohr, however, praised the 20-year-old goalkeeper but dismissed the opinion that he’s likely to replace Francis Uzoho in the coming 2021 African Cup of Nations qualifiers against the Benin Republic and Lesotho.
“(Maduka) Okoye did his job well when he came in to replace injured (Francis) Uzoho in Brazil friendly match. But he is still very young.”
“We will see if we can do something with him. But it is vividly clear that he had a promising beginning in the Brazil game. He is also happy to have the first cap.”
“As regards replacement for injured Francis Uzoho, I won’t name replacement now because we have not concluded the list for the 2021 AFCON qualifiers against the Benin Republic and Lesotho.”
“But like I said Okoye has good quality and would be a great goalkeeper with what I have seen with his composure against Brazil”. Rohr said.
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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