Sports
2010 World Cup: FG Equips S’Eagles Players, Officials
The Nigerian Government has provided all that the Super Eagles players and officials need to participate in the forthcoming 2010 World Cup in South Africa, former Super Eagles captain, Austin J.J. Okocha has disclosed.
Okocha hinted during an interview with The Tide at the Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa that the Federal Government has fully played its part by providing all the players and officials want in terms of finance and equipment to enable them go for the World Cup tournament.
Okocha who was in Port Harcourt to attend a meeting of the Presidential Task Force for the 2010 South Africa World Cup noted that “this is the first time nobody is complaining of anything because the players and officials have gotten all they want”.
He added: “they have got all they asked for and they are well equipped. They have been given all what they ought to be given”, pointing out that they were in England for a friendly football match that would determine their level of performance at the World Cup in South Africa.
According to him, “we hope they will do what they can and we will know if they have improved but I believe that the technical adviser and the players will do a good job and they are preparing in the right way and manner and hopefully they will make us proud.”
He observed that largerback has prepared the Super Eagles as a team but, however, was pesmistic about their ability to lift the trophy at the end of the World Cup.
His words; “He has prepared the team but we are yet to witness what they can do. But I feel it’s a mission impossible and to be honest, for Nigeria to lift the trophy is more of a wish than a reality but we Nigerians wish to see it happen.”
The former Super Eagles captain was of the view that Nigerians always have that complex of not winning, pointing out that “we should realise that we have a lot of potentiaties in football!
He stated that for Nigeria to achieve its dream in football, “it is hight time we started working on our grassroot football and believe in them.”
Shedie Okpara
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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