Sports
Amodu, Sure To Be In S’Africa
Despite widespread calls for Nigeria’s coach, Shuaibu Amodu to be replaced with a Foreign Technical Adviser, the NFF have reiterated their stand that Amodu will definitely be in South Africa next year.
Influential executive committee member, Taiwo Ogunjobi told Kick Off Nigeria.com in Cape Town that the much-maligned coach would be going nowhere as far as the Federation in concerned. “I can tell your for certain that Amodu will be at the World Cup in South Africa” Ogunjobi, flanked by NFF General Secretary Bolaji Ojo-Oba, chief media officer Ademola Olajire and head of marketing, Idris Adama, said.
Pressed to define what role the coach will play in South Africa, Ogunjobi was unequivocal that he would be the top man.
“He will not be going there as an anybody’s assistant, but as the man in charge.”
Ogunjobi’s declaration follows a ringing endorsement recently handed to the coach by the NFF board, who remain under pressure to hire a foreign technical adviser.
So far, the Glass House have refused to buckle, and Ogunjobi, who chairs the NFF Board’s Technical Committee, says Nigerians should be proud to have Amodu in charge in South Africa.
“It is an African World Cup, being hosted in Africa and he is the only African coach leading a team there. We should be proud of him and support him to succeed rather than distracting him with talk of a foreign coach.
“He has one of the best records in qualifying. Even some of those that they are calling to replace him have not done better than him. So why should we reward them for their failure, and punish him for his success.”
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.