Sports
Int’l Friendly: Only Five Eagles Fit – Amokachi
Super Eagles stand-in
coach Daniel Amokachi has said that only five players in his squad of 24 are fit and ready as they prepare for test matches against Sudan and AFCON-bound Cote d’Ivoire.
The Eagles will depart for Abu Dhabi tomorrow where they will take on Cote d’Ivoire on January 12.
They will also tackle Sudan on January 16 in Dubai.
Amokachi made known his startling revelation to newsmen moments after he saw his team of players from the domestic league come from 2-1 down to beat NYSC FC 5-2 in their first warm-up match on Monday.
“I cannot pick the 19 players when everybody came off season. Even we the coaches came from off season. But we just have to keep working but definitely there are five or six players who have shown that they would make the team but everybody else are on the thin line between going and not going for the two games,” he declared.
“When you have two games to play and you are preparing for ten days name doesn’t count, it’s the player who is fitter who makes the team because you need results.”
He added: “This is a team who have been on off-season. For players you can see them, some of them are still over weight but for the little time that we have been here we are trying our best.
“You cannot be playing football in this level and conceding two goals in the first 10 minutes. When you do that against a tough opposition, you would find it difficult in coming back.”
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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