Sports
Iheanacho Must Take FA Cup Final Chances – Ikpeba
Nigerian football legend, Victor Ikpeba has encouraged Kelechi Ihean-acho to make history with Leicester City when they face Chelsea in next month’s FA Cup final.
Iheanacho continued his superb scoring form for the Foxes when he netted the only goal of their semifinal against Southampton last weekend, setting up a showdown with Chelsea at Wembley Stadium on May 15.
Iheanacho will have the chance to write his name into the football history books, as he looks to lead Leicester to their first ever FA Cup title and add his name to the list of Nigerians who have won the competition, such as Daniel Amokachi, John Obi Mikel and Nwankwo Kanu, amongst others.
Former Super Eagles forward Ikpeba, who was crowned African Player of the Year 1997, has warned Iheanacho that he must take his chances against Chelsea.
“Iheanacho has shown that he can be relied on any time Jamie Vardy fails to get the back of the net,” said Ikpeba.
“In his last few games for Leicester City, he has displayed a good sense of goal-scoring and helped the team push for glory in the FA Cup.
“But he must have to take his chances against a Chelsea side that seems to have a tight defence under manager, Thomas Tuchel.”
Meanwhile, Iheanacho has expressed his affection for the oldest knockout competition in world football: “The FA Cup loves me and I love the FA Cup,” said the Nigerian, who has scored more goals in the cup than any other player since the start of the 2015-16 season.
“I was in the right place at the right time. I’ve been unlucky in the past few years but it’s working out well now and I need to go to the next level.”
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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