Sports
‘Rohr Must Stop Experimenting With S’Eagles’
Former Nigerian international, Chibuzor Okonkwo, has called on Super Eagles manager, Gernot Rohr to stop experimenting with numerous different players in his line-up.
This comes after Nigeria suffered a narrow 1-0 loss to Algeria in an international friendly played at the weekend.
“Rohr must stop experimenting with players, even if there will be changes it should be few, probably two or three,” Okonkwo told newsmen.
“If Algeria can play their full squad, why can’t we present our best. [Riyad] Mahrez was there!
Okonkwo added, “All the Super Eagles players were foreign-based. They are playing week in, week out for their teams, so there should not be any excuse.
“The fact that [Victor] Osimhen and [Wilfred] Ndidi were not in the squad is not an excuse for failure.”
Aside from Ndidi and Osimhen, Nigeria were also missing the likes of Joe Aribo, Oghenekaro Etebo and a trio of goalkeepers in Daniel Akpeyi, Ikechukwu Ezenwa and Francis Uzoho.
Rohr handed debuts to Kevin Akpoguma, Sanusi Zaidu, Samson Tijani and Frank Onyeka, but Okonkwo was not impressed
“The players did not play well,” he explained. “If you are called upon for a national-team assignment, you have to give your best.
“If for any reason you won’t be able to perform, then, stay away from the team. People are not happy with the Super Eagles performances at all.”
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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