Sports
…They Have The Spirit To Win – Amodu
Nigeria coach Shuaibu Amodu is confident that his team have the spirit to beat Benin Republic today and rescue their flailing African Nations Cup campaign.
Amodu’s wards were dismantled 3-1 by champions Egypt, leading to stinging criticism back home, but the coach says his players are concentrating on their next match.
“The players are serious and I notice that they have the spirit to go in there and do the job,” Amodu told Nigeriaff.com. “They are all sweating hard and concentrating and all we need is that win against Benin Republic to bring the confidence back, and then we can look ahead.”
On Thursday, Amodu departed from his normal practice of one training session by sending the players out for a second session in the afternoon, during which he placed the focus on goal scoring.
The coach also plans to ring changes in his starting team for Benin.
With Osaze Odemwingie back to full fitness, it appears Amodu intends to start him on the right wing of the attack, with Chinedu Obasi, lone goal scorer against Egypt moving to the left and Yakubu Aiyegbeni retaining his place in the centre of attack.
At the rear, Danny Shittu is expected to come in for Obinna Nwaneri while Elderson Echiejile is expected to take the left wing back position ahead of Taye Taiwo.
Nigeria must beat Benin Republic and also Mozambique in Lubango on Wednesday to be sure of a place in the last eight of the competition.
Nigeria has not failed to reach the quarter finals of the African Cup of Nations since 1982.
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.