Sports
Maigari Not Setting Target For Nigeria
Nigeria Football Federa
tion (NFF) President, Aminu Maigari says he is not setting the Super Eagles any targets for the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.
Despite coach Stephen Keshi’s contract stating he needs to reach the quarter-finals, Maigari has distanced himself and the NFF from the targets.
“You can’t predict the future or make demands going into a big tournament like the World Cup,” he told newsmen.
“I think it’s more reasonable to allow the team take it one game at a time.”
NFF vice-president, Mike Umeh, has been quoted as saying the Super Eagles have the talent to reach the semi-finals of the World Cup.
He also said officials are expecting the African champions to surpass the quarter-final feats of Cameroon, Senegal and Ghana in previous World Cup.
Goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama has even said the Super Eagles can win the World Cup.
“I think it’s unfair to put the team under so much pressure to reach the semi-finals. Some people can openly say things like this, but not the NFF,” Maigari insisted.
“We need to provide the right environment for them to thrive positively at the world stage and give Africa and Nigerians a campaign to be proud of.
“Talks of semi-final, final and probably winning the tournament in Brazil is not coming from the football federation.”
The three-time African champions have not won a match at the World Cup since beating Bulgaria in 1998, which is the last time the Super Eagles made it to the knock-out stages.
In both 2002 and 2010 Nigeria exited the tournament disappointingly early.
Significantly, Keshi has advised Nigerians to set realistic World Cup targets for the Super Eagles, as expectations from the team continue to heighten.
“We have to be realistic because there are no small teams among the 32 going to Brazil, any of the teams will be tough,” Keshi said.
The Super Eagles coach further revealed that he is not looking to avoid any team in Friday’s draws, as he believes his team will excel with proper preparation.
“We have no preference of any of the countries to be our group. All we need do is to prepare well for every team and take the games one after the other.”
In the long history of the World Cup, only three African teams have ever reached the quarter-finals: Cameroon in 1990, Senegal in 2002 and Ghana in 2010.
Ideye
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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