Sports
Build S’Eagles Around Osimhen, Owolabi Advises Rohr
Felix Owolabi, has advised Nigeria national team Coach, Gernot Rohr to build his team around Napoli forward, Victor Osimhen, who he described as a ‘matchmaker.’
The 21-year-old is fast becoming a world-class player and shone during his time with Belgian side, Sporting Charleroi to earn a move to French side, Lille.
The forward continued his eye-catching performances with the Ligue 1 club, scoring a number of breath-taking goals amid other dazzling displays and was deservedly named the club’s Player of the Season before joining Napoli for a club-record fee of €80 million.
Osimhen has been in terrific form for the Italian outfit since his arrival, scoring a number of goals in their pre-season games and gave a good account of himself in his first competitive match for the club against Parma last Sunday.
Rohr recently named the squad for Nigeria’s friendly games against Tunisia and Ivory Coast with the forward included in the team.
Osimhen has only made nine appearances since his Super Eagles debut in 2017 and former international, Owolabi, has advised the German tactician to devise a way to get the best out of the striker.
“I think as at today, Osimhen is the best thing we can talk about, as far as Nigerian football is concerned. And if I were the coach of the national team, I will build my team around that boy,” Owolabi told Tidesports source
“For a very long time, after my tenure, and that of the USA ’94 World Cup group, I have not seen a matchmaker in the Eagles’ team.
“I want to say that this boy is something else. He is a very fantastic player and I advise the handler of the national team to devise a means of making the best use of him.
“There are at times when a coach will have such a unique player and he is confused about how best to use him… not every coach knows how to use such a player.”
Osimhen scored three goals during Nigeria Africa Cup of Nations qualifying games against the Republic of Benin and Lesotho to help the Super Eagles lead Group L with six points.
The young striker will be expected to play a prominent role in Nigeria’s Afcon qualifying game against Sierra Leone in November.
Meanwhile, Leicester City have suffered an injury blow ahead of their eagerly anticipated Carabao Cup third round clash against Arsenal at the King Power Stadium on Wednesday night, Tidesports source can exclusively report.
Super Eagles star Wilfred Ndidi, who filled in at center back in the Foxes first two games of the new Premier League season, will certainly not play a part against the Gunners after aggravating a groin injury.
The holding midfielder has been managing the injury since the start of the season and has been advised by Leicester City medical team to take a break.
Ndidi will undergo further tests on Wednesday before his return to action can be determined.
However, it is confirmed that the Nath Boys product has pulled out of the latest Super Eagles squad announced by the Nigeria Football Federation yesterday.
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.
-
News4 days agoDon Savours Inaugural Lecture Presentation, Commends VC
-
News11 hours agoPolice Arrest Nigerian, Two Others For Kidnapping In Edo
-
Nation13 hours agoPerm Sec Explains Success Of FGM Elimination Programme In Rivers
-
News11 hours agoNDLEA Arrests Ex-Councillor With 40kg Skunk, Recovers Drugs In Diapers
-
Nation13 hours agoOgoni Mangrove Wetlands Gain International Recognition As Ramsar Site
-
News11 hours agoArmy Foils Cattle Rustling, Kills Terrorists In Benue …Rescues Two Kidnapped Bank Staff
-
News11 hours agoFG condemns arrest of 42 Nigerians in Mozambique, demands immediate release
-
News13 hours agoSECURITY: FUBARA REAFFIRMS PARTNERSHIP WITH NIGERIAN AIR FORCE