Sports
Ladipo Gives Siasia Pass Mark
The President-General of Nigeria Football Supporters Club, Rafiu Ladipo, on Wednesday said that former Super Eagles coach, Samson Siasia was not a bad coach.
Ladipo told the Tidesport in Abeokuta, that Siasia was one of the best coaches in the country.
“The problem is that he signed a contract that put the Nigeria Football Federation into a tight corner.
“He promised to take us to the semi-final of the African Cup of Nations and failed to deliver on the agreement.”
Ladipo, who was in Abeokuta to attend the 2011 NUJ Press Week, noted that apart from the contract signed by the former coach, impatience was another factor that led to his sack.
While soliciting for fans’ patience with the newly-signed Super Eagles Coach, Stephen Keshi, he expressed optimism that the coach would perform well and even better.
“Keshi is experienced enough and I hope he has learnt from the sack of Siasia. I wish he will do better.
On the chances of the National Under-23 team qualifying for the 2012 London Olympics soccer event, Ladipo said such qualification would be the last hope of the nation.
While expressing optimism at the chances of the team, Ladipo said the players in Morocco for the matches would make the nation proud by securing the ticket.
The President-General also admonished Federal Government to engage more youths in sporting activities, saying, “an idle hand is the devil’s workshop”.
“When youths are engaged with sporting activities, they forget about involvement in social vices.”
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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