Sports
Martins Promises To Be Back
Nigeria’s striker Obafemi Martins has assured his countrymen of his services as the nation prepare to play in the Africa Cup of Nations in January.
The Wolfsburg striker who recently underwent surgery on his troubled shin says he is well on his way to recovering in time for Nigeria’s preparations for the continental tournament.
“Let me first assure Nigerians that I will be very fit for the Nations Cup” Martins told Complete Sports in an interview.
“The operation went very well and I am happy to report that I have started doing some stuff with the bike. I believe in about [ten] days from now I should be back on the field to commence full training.”
Martins, popularly referred to as the Weapon of Mass Destruction by his countrymen said he looks forward to a very interesting tournament in Angola in January.
“I am happy too that I will have an opportunity to play for my country at the Nations Cup again. I was there in 2008 in Ghana but the experience wasn’t a good one. I hope we can do better than we did in Ghana this time around in Angola.”
Martins also commented on Nigeria’s draw in the World Cup where the Super Eagles have been grouped alongside two-time former champions Argentina, former European champions Greece and two-time Asian champions South Korea.
“I think it is a good draw for us. The Super Eagles are a big team and should think and act as such. We already know it won’t be a stroll in the park for us in South Africa and this should determine the kind of preparation we make for the championships.
“This is better than drawing teams we feel we can run over easily and (then) fail to prepare adequately. In Argentina we know we will be playing against a former world champion while Greece were also once champions of Europe.
“South Korea are no pushovers too. I still remember what they did in 2002 when they co-hosted the FIFA World Cup with Japan. I think they went as far as the semi-final which means they have the experience at that level as well.”
In conclusion, Martins who scored two goals in the 3-2 win over Kenya that saw the Eagles qualify for the World Cup said, “I am always ready to help my country and Nigerians should give us the support we will need to succeed in Angola.
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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