Sports
Don Lauds Keshi On Home-Based Players
The Chairman of Sports Council, Lagos State University (LASU), Ademola Onifade, yesterday praised Super Eagles’ coach, Steven Keshi, for using home-based players in the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations campaigns.
Onifade, a professor of sports at the university, told Tidesports that the strategy would further lead to producing quality players from the Nigeria Premiere League.
“The likes of Sunday Mba will serve as an inspiration to upcoming talents in the league because they can aspire to get there too.
“The players would be encouraged to train harder because they know that there is hope for them in representing the country at international competitions and even the World Cup.”
Onifade noted that players who parade themselves at “big names” should henceforth be dispensed with.
“It is a very good idea that he is using the home-based players, you see that’s to show that they have something to offer that we don’t necessarily have to rely on big names.
“You know what we have been doing in the past is to rely on big names and they have always disappointed us and it’s understandable because they are big.
“They have made the name, so there is nothing else they can prove but with these home-based players, they want to make their own names too.
“And so they have to put in their best, unlike the professionals, who have already made the name and they are making the money.
“So it’s a good idea and I believe they can retain it and even go ahead to win the trophy.”
Onifade urged the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to support Keshi and advised them to leave the management of football to the professionals.
“I am happy that Keshi insisted on using local-based players, the NFF should support him or any coach at all but they should keep on supporting him.
“And give him a very free hand to operate. He is the technical man, they are not technical men so they should allow him to continue with the good job he is doing.
“And then it’s very important too that the NFF its self should make sure that the bulk of the people on the board are people that really know something about sports.
“And especially soccer that will make our sports grow the way it should.” Onifade expressed optimism that the Eagles would win in Sunday’s finals.
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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