Sports
Eagles’ World Cup List Excites Ex-International
Former Super Eagles
player, Prince Afejuku, has said the list of players released by Coach Stephen Keshi would take Nigeria to at least the quarter-finals of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
Afejuku, who played in the national team in the 1980s, made the assertion in an interview with newsmen in Benin, Edo.
He said that the selected players were the best the country had at the moment.
The ex-player said that all Keshi needed was few days to blend the players into a winning team for the Mundial.
“I have painstakingly gone through the list and came to the conclusion that it contained the best and most tested legs we have at the moment.
“I really don’t see any better player that has been left out of the list.
“If Keshi can still get the best 23 out of the best 30 he has selected, I see us progressing from the group stage to the quarter-finals,” the ex-international who played alonside Christian Chukwu and Segun Odegbami said.
Afejuku, however, advised the Super Eagles coach to fortify his defence and midfield.
He said that it was the departments of the game that could make or mar Nigeria’s chances at the World Cup.
“There is need for the coaching crew to work more on our defence and midfield. Our attackers are capable of taking us far in Brazil,” he said.
He also urged the Nigeria Football Association (NFA) and the Super Eagles coaching crew to work in harmony.
Afejuku said: “I believe Keshi and NFF will know better than to settle their problem if at all there is any because they know what is at stake in Brazil.
“I want to believe they are fully aware that it is only when they work in harmony that they can do something for the country in Brazil.
“Keshi has done his best, what he needs now is prayers and support from all Nigerians,” he said.
The 2014 World Cup is scheduled to kick off on June 12 and end on July 13.
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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