Sports
Amodu Gets Commendation, Retains Eagles Job
Much-maligned Nigeria coach Shuaibu Amodu received some cheering news on Wednesday when the Executive Committee of the Nigeria Football Federation passed a resolution to retain him, along with his technical staff.
Despite guiding the Super Eagles to World Cup qualification ahead of Tunisia, Amodu has had to face up to constant calls for him to be replaced by a ‘foreign Technical Adviser’.
Critically however, he has continued to receive the backing of the NFF top brass, and on Wednesday, that position was made unequivocally official following a meeting in Abuja.
“The NFF Executive Committee commended all the Super Eagles’ players and Members of technical crew for the honour done Nigeria with the World Cup ticket,” the Communiqué after the board meeting read.
“The Committee also unanimously adopted the position of its technical sub –committee and the Coaches Association of Nigeria, which on Tuesday, 24th November, 2009 recommended that Members of the Super Eagles’ technical crew should be kept in their post for the African Nations Cup Angola 2010 and FIFA World Cup South Africa 2010.”
The board also approved Amodu’s proposal to start camping of the Super Eagles for the African Nations Cup in Namibia from December 28.
This news will come as welcome relief to Amodu, but will by no means completely reassure him, as the main protagonists for a foreign coach are the Presidential Task Force, set up by NigeriaN President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua to help ensure World Cup qualification.
The group appearS to have the backing of the Presidency in their quest to make that appointment, and although a member of the PTF told Tidesports’ source that the body will respect the wishes of the NFF, it is not clear if this declaration will mean the end of the search.
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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