Sports
Oliseh Keen To Take Technical Director Post
Following the disastrous performance of Nigeria’s Super Eagles and their ouster from the 2012 African Nations Cup, former Nigeria Skipper Sunday Oliseh has said he is ready to work for the country.
At the weekend, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) announced that a technical director be appointed without delay and Oliseh has long been linked with that top post.
“It is always an honour to serve Nigeria and I’m ready to help us get out of the current mess,” said Oliseh, who was axed from the country’s 2002 World Cup Squad after he stood up to officialdom.
“Not qualifying for the next Nations Cup was a huge humiliation and it was not what we bargained for.
“Like I told them when I was contacted for the position, I was prepared, but I won’t pour water into a basket. If I know that there is a Calabash that will hold water then I am ready.
“I’m available for the job because I can’t let my country down at this point.”
Reports suggested that negotiations between the NFF and Oliseh broke down over what he would be paid, but Oliseh insisted it was much more than that.
An international for over ten years, Oliseh was part of the Eagles “Golden generation’ who won the 1994 Nations Cup in Tunisia and featured at the country’s World Cup debut same year.
Oliseh is one of the most formally qualified Nigerians to work in the technical department as besides playing for some of the world’s top clubs like Borussia Dortmund, Juventus and Ajax Amsterdam, he has also attained several top coaching licenses in Europe.
“I played in four top leagues in Europe and won some titles, but I still had to get certified as a coach,” said our former defensive midfielder.
“I have prepared myself in the last three years even after playing for some of the best clubs in the world.
“What we need now are the right professionals to be part of our football because we must rebuild with the right people at the right places.”
Gold Monday
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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