Sports
Super Eagles Pledge To Beat S’Korea For Kaita
Sani Kaita has received the backing of his team mates, who have promised to beat South Korea for him, to ensure that he gets a chance to redeem himself at this World Cup.
Kaita is suffering a storm of harsh media backlash following his expulsion against Greece on Thursday.
That sending off had fatal consequences for the Super Eagles, as they not only surrendered their one goal lead, but also conceded a second that handed victory to the Greeks.
The team held a meeting at lunching on Friday, where Kaita apologised to the rest of the squad for letting them down and asked for forgiviness.
He was given hugs by everyone as the team told him to look past it, and promised him that they would win for him.
Captain Joseph Yobo said: “He is a young footballer who will learn from mistakes, an expensive one but w e only have to fight now for what is left to salvage here.”
And goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama, who once again emerged as the man of the match, said: “Kaita is still a reliable player and should not be left to suffer from this.
“Stuff like that happen sometimes. If you saw him in training and watched him in the World Cup you would see why I still think he should be forgiven”.
Nigeria’s Kalu Uche, who got his country in front also said: “We all felt let down on the pitch but once we walked off it, he was in our thoughts.
“No-one is blaming him for anything. He has been a magnificent player for his country and his die-hard performances have earned us success in the past, he will return a better man”.
Nigeria face South Korea on Tuesday in Durban, needing a win to progress, provided Argentina beat Greece.
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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