Sports
S’Eagles: Keshi Is The Boss, Insists Amokachi
Nigeria assistant coach
Daniel Amokachi has said that Stephen Keshi still calls the shots in the team even though he has yet to sign a new contract with the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF.
Amokachi therefore revealed he is in constant contact with Stephen Keshi regarding the set-up of the national team.
Amokachi has denied picking the Super Eagles team who lost 1-0 to Uganda last week and has since further distanced himself from the situation.
The 42-year-old insisted that ‘Big Boss Keshi’ was the one calling the shots.
“He [Keshi] is the boss, he is in charge of the team. For now by his grace I am the one who is handling these two games [against Uganda and South Africa]. As the chief you definitely have to call, this is what is going and this is what it is. How did you see the game? and we break it down,” said Amokachi.
“He chips in one, two, three, that is normal. You cannot play football alone, it is not an island.
In Amokachi and Keshi the Nigeria has two former internationals heavily involved in the national team and the former Everton striker believes it is important that one makes sure to utilize your God given talent.
“Back in the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s in South Africa during the apartheid era you [South Africa] had some great players who are legends, some have unfortunately have already passed on, in Nigeria the same,” Amokachi continued.
“Football is what we love, we love football and at the end of the day what we enjoy doing we get paid doing it and we become legends out of it so we should take it serious. It is our lifestyle.
“When God gives you a gift and you don’t respect that gift believe me it will go down the drain. That is what we keep preaching to the players.
When asked about the current status of the Nigerian coaching position following the match on Sunday Amokachi was more tight lipped on the situation.
“I’m an interim coach and that question should go to the administrators,” he said in the aftermath of the 1-1 stalemate.
A stoppage time goal from Bongani Zungu cancelled out Ahmed Musa’s opener.
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.