Sports
Philanthropist Confident Of Eagles Success In Brazil
A grassroots football promoter in Rivers State, Prince Uche Emejuru has expressed optimism that the Super Eagles of Nigeria would do well in the forthcoming FIFA Confederation Championship.
Emejuru stated this during an exclusive interview with Tidesports recently in Port Harcourt.
He, however, urged the players not to be carried away by the euphoria of their victory in South Africa adding that it should be a motivation since they are going to meet great teams in Brazil.
Umejuru described the inclusion of home-based players in the Super Eagles team in the just concluded AFCON competition as a welcomed development that will help to boast the local league game.
According to him, the recognition accorded the home-based players will go a long way in attracting soccer fans to the stadium when Nigeria league matches get underway.
“Truly, most soccer fans would be forced to go to the stadium to have a glimpse of the new Super Eagles invitees,” he said.
He commended the entire Eagles team for doing the country proud by lifting the coveted Nations Cup title which had eluded Nigeria for the past 19 years.
Reacting to the call of hiring a foreign technical adviser to tinker the Super Eagles team, he described the idea as unnecessary.
Emejuru explained that Stephen Keshi has done well and therefore, should be allowed to continue to lead the Super Eagles team.
Besides, he has proved that he is far better than most of the foreign coaches who were also in the Nations Cup tournament with some African teams.
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.