Sports
AFCON Qualifier: Eagles Are Angry – Keshi
Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi says the Super Eagles are angry
that they failed to make it to the last African Nations Cup, and need no money
motivation to beat Liberia.
Liberia President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf is reported to have
promised the Lone Star a significant dollar bonus to beat Nigeria in the second
leg of their African Nations Cup qualifier in Calabar.
But Keshi says they will come up against an uncompromising
Super Eagles.
“We sure need money for the players and officials, but that
is not the motivation now – the need to return to the Nations Cup is the
driving force and the players are angry that they missed out the last time and
want to prove that they have returned to be among Africa’s best. Money will
surely come later,” Keshi said.
He also said the team will be delighted to see President
Goodluck Jonathan in Calabar for the game and that in itself will boost the
team spirit against the Lone Star.
Keshi used the opportunity to plead for support from the
media, government and the Nigerian people generally as that will help team
composure.
“In Calabar, even when we don’t score early they keep
cheering, believing that the goals will come, same thing happens in Kaduna, we
must tell Nigerians particularly the media to spread the news that we want that
type of spirit not only to qualify but to do well at the Nations Cup.
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.