Sports
Mikel Stays Put At Chelsea – Agent
Midfielder, John Mikel Obi will not be leaving Chelsea, at least not during this transfer window, according to his agent, John Shittu.
Mikel, 26, has been heavily linked with Turkish club Galatasaray throughout the summer, with Russian club Anzhi Makhachkala and Italian side Napoli also emerging as late entrants for his services.
But Shittu told newsmen on Wednesday that the Nigerian is going nowhere.
“He loves this club, the manager knows him and likes him and he will not be going anywhere during this transfer window,” he insists.
Shittu admits that there had been interest in the player, but all suitors have been rebuffed by Chelsea and he denies that it was ever a question of the club’s valuation not being met.
“Some clubs came in and expressed their interest but that is where it stopped. They were never allowed to get to the point where we could even begin to start talking about valuation or negotiation.”
Mikel has barely featured for the Blues this season, his only appearance being a cameo role in the last few minutes of Chelsea’s 0-0 draw against Manchester United.
Shittu explains that it is down to match fitness.
“He didn’t have a proper pre-season because he got a couple of weeks extra due to his Confederations Cup participation and then an injury so he is not fully match fit.
“When he starts playing is down to the manager, but as soon as he gets his match fitness back, he will be in contention.”
With Shittu being so categorical about the midfielder not leaving this window, there is the suggestion that he could perhaps leave in January.
“We cannot say what will happen in the future. This is football and anything is possible. But for now, he is a Chelsea player, and is happy to remain a Chelsea player for the rest of his career.”
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.