Sports
Iwuala, Leaving Enyimba For Esperance
The Super Eagle has echoed that he made no mistakes joining the Blood and Gold while expressing his desire to prove his worth
“It was an easy choice” to swap life at Nigeria Professional Football League side Enyimba for that at Esperance,” Iwuala said.
Tidesports source reports that after representing the Aba Elephants for two years, the winger opted to take on a new challenge with the Ligue Professionnelle 1 outfit.
Although not certain that the decision would make him a regular face in Gernot Rohr’s Super Eagles, he is keen on proving his worth at Stade Olympique de Rades.
“It’s a huge privilege to join such a great club like Esperance, who have continental titles to show as part of their success story,” Iwuala said.
“It was an easy choice to come to Esperance, they are four times African champions.
“A big cub with an incredible culture, the professionalism and modern facilities, the welfare, tradition and standard of operation are quite attractive.”
Having been handed a three-year contract by the Blood and Gold, the 22-year-old will remain at the Stade Olympique de Rades until 2024.
Under the direction of former Bolton Wanderers star Radhi Jaidi, Iwuala would be hoping to help the reigning Tunisia elite division champions to a remarkable outing during next season’s CAF Champions League.
“From my position [playing in Nigeria] once I saw a chance here with the club I decided to grab the opportunity,” he continued.
“I need to focus on the job, helping the team achieve more success and that remains the main priority of every professional footballer.
“I also look forward to working with coach Radhi Jaidi and prove myself under him. That is the immediate target for now.
“I don’t know if coming here will further help me establish myself in the Super Eagles, but I know I will give my best here and that’s all I can do for now.”
The Lagos-born player started his professional career in 2018 at amateur side Kada City before heading to Delta Force – where he was signed by two-time CAF Champions League winners, Enyimba.
Following his awe-inspiring displays in the NPFL, he was handed a senior team call-up by coach Rohr.
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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