Sports
Chukwu, Others Give Lagerback’s W/Cup List Pass Mark
Some soccer enthusiasts in Enugu have commended Super Eagles’ Technical Adviser, Lars Lagerback, for his fairness in the final selection of players for the World Cup in South Africa.
But some believe that the non-inclusion of home-based players does not reflect the contributions of the national league to the development of players and soccer in the country.
Those who spoke on Tuesday in Enugu said the selection was good but complained over the non-inclusion of at least a home-based player.
A former Super Eagles Chief Coach, Christian Chukwu, said: “Lars Lagerback’s final list is the best the country could have for the tournament.
“We have players scattered all over the world and even locally, but there is no time to harness them,” Chukwu said.
“The injection of new players now may be dangerous because the old ones have played together and they understand themselves. They just need to blend.
“It has not been possible to exhaust our talents and that is why the ones referred to as tired legs still remain our best.
“It is hard to drop players at this last hour. I am fully in support of his list. I appeal to Nigerians to give Largerback the needed support,” he said.
Chukwu, popularly called Chairman, urged the Eagles not to underrate any team because their group was tough.
He, however, said the Eagles could go far if they qualified from the group stage.
Chukwu also called for a total overhaul of the team after the World Cup to give younger players the opportunity to prepare ahead of other major competitions.
Ernest Ufele, an ex-Rangers player, said Lagerback did his best by selecting only experienced players.
Ufele said the coach could not do selections based on recommendations and appealed to Nigerians to pray for the Eagles to qualify from the preliminary stages.
“We know that their performance in friendly matches so far have not been satisfactory to face the World Cup test, but we hope that they will excel,” Ufele said.
Dominic Nwobodo, another ex-Rangers player, said there was no difference in previous selections by Shaibu Amodu.
He said the coach had done his best but the players must be committed because they are going to face very tough opposition.
“I think the selection was done based on experience and that is why the home-based players were not considered.
“We definitely need experienced players for the World Cup,” Nwobodo said.
Edwin Eze, Director of Sports (Information), Enugu State Sports Council, appealed to Nigerians to accept the final selection.
“As an experienced coach, Lagerback should be allowed to use his discretion to lead the team to the world Cup,” Eze said.
Chukwuka Udensi, an Enugu-based businessman, suggested that Lagerback should have at least included a home-based player.
“We have good players in this country who can match the professionals.
“I think the non-inclusion of home-based players did not take into account the contributions of local clubs to the growth of our soccer,” Udensi said.
The Nigerian, who arrived in China fresh from winning gold at the African Senior Athletics Championships in Ghana earlier on Wednesday, clocked a season’s best of 12.41s behind Olympic champion Masai Russell and Bahamian star Devynne Charlton.
Russell produced a dominant display to win the race in a meeting record and world-leading time of 12.25s, improving on her previous world lead of 12.40s.
Charlton, the reigning world indoor champion, finished second in 12.38s in one of her strongest outdoor performances to date.
Amusan, whose world record of 12.12s remains the fastest time ever run in the event, improved significantly from her previous season’s best of 12.84s set during her victorious outing at the African Championships in Accra.
The 29-year-old was competing in a stacked field that included reigning world champion Ditaji Kambundji of Switzerland, Jamaican pair Megan Simmonds and Ackera Nugent, China’s Wu Yanni and Americans Tonea Marshall and Danielle Williams.
Kambundji, who won the world title in Tokyo last year with a Swiss record 12.24s, finished fifth in 12.82s, while Jamaica’s Nugent placed sixth in 12.98s.
Marshall and Williams failed to finish the race.
Following Amusan’s victory in Accra, the three-time Diamond League final winner expressed gratitude to her supporters while insisting she remained determined to achieve more success this season.
“Beyond grateful to God, my team, supporters, and everyone who continues to believe in me through every season. Historic feeling. Still hungry for more. The mission continues,”
The 10-time African champions are scheduled to take on the Teranga Lionesses on June 5 and 8 at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, Ogun State, in what will form a key part of their build-up to July’s continental tournament.
The fixtures were confirmed on social media platform X by Super Falcons Show, which announced the details of the encounter and venue.
“Nigeria’s senior women’s national team, the Super Falcons, will take on Senegal Women’s National Team in a double-header international friendly scheduled for June 5 and 8,” the post read.
“Both matches will be played in Ikenne, Nigeria.”
The friendlies come after Nigeria’s proposed training tour of the United Kingdom, which included a planned match against Jamaica, was cancelled due to scheduling complications linked to FIFA’s official women’s international window. The timing meant clubs would not have been obliged to release players.
With that tour shelved, the Senegal fixtures now offer a timely opportunity for coach Justine Madugu and his technical team to assess squad options, test tactical systems and strengthen team cohesion ahead of the WAFCON campaign and longer-term qualification targets for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
Senegal are expected to provide a competitive regional test, with their physical style and disciplined organisation likely to offer Nigeria a different tactical challenge across both matches.
The Super Falcons, who have dominated African women’s football for decades, will be aiming to use the double-header to fine-tune preparations as they pursue another continental title in Morocco next year.
Dr Bojuwoye, a seasoned medical professional with extensive experience in road running events across Nigeria, is expected to bring added value to the race through his expertise.
As medical director, his responsibilities will include overseeing emergency medical response, coordinating first aid stations along the course, ensuring athlete safety, and supervising medical volunteers and paramedics.
His role is critical in safeguarding the health of both elite and recreational runners, as well as spectators.
In addition to unveiling its new medical director, the organisers also announced five corporate partners for the 2026 edition.
The Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN), Petralon Energy, Razzl Drink, Dan Oil, and Carloha Motors have joined as sponsors, reflecting the race’s growing appeal across diverse sectors of the Nigerian economy.
The Okpekpe race, organised by Pamodzi Sports Marketing Company, has steadily risen in prominence since becoming the first road race in Nigeria to earn World Athletics label status in 2015.
It has since advanced to Gold Label Race status, attracting elite athletes from around the world and cementing its reputation as one of Africa’s benchmark road-running competitions.
Edo State, under the leadership of Governor Monday Okpebolo, has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the race, citing its role in promoting tourism, community pride, and international recognition for the region.
Race Director Zack Amodu noted that the new partnerships underscore the event’s stature and its impact beyond sport.
We are delighted to welcome DBN, Petralon, Razzl, and Carloha Motors as partners for the 11th edition. Their support, alongside the backing of Edo State, not only strengthens the race but also reinforces its role as a platform for promoting excellence, youth empowerment, and community development,’ Amodu said.
Beyond its sporting significance, the Okpekpe International 10km Road Race has become a catalyst for social, health, and economic benefits.
It encourages fitness and healthy lifestyles, fosters social cohesion by bringing communities together, and generates economic activity through tourism, hospitality, and local commerce.
The event also showcases Edo State’s cultural vibrancy while contributing to Nigeria’s growing reputation in global athletics.
The 11th edition is expected to draw elite athletes, local participants, and international attention, further consolidating Nigeria’s place on the global athletics calendar.
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