Sports
CAF Award: Ighalo Wants To Dethrone Aubameyang
Nigeria and Watford striker Odion Ighalo has revealed that he’s aiming to topple the Gabon and Borussia Dortmund striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang as CAF African Footballer of the Year.
The Super Eagle who was speaking in an interview said he would like to break the 19-year absence of Nigerians in the running for the African award.
Nwankwo Kanu was the last Nigerian to win the honours, but several players have come close including John Obi Mikel who finished as runner up to Ivory Coast’s Yaya Toure.
Despite winning the award for the past three years, Yaya, was beaten by the Gabonese skipper with the Elephants saying it was unfair for him to lose the award. He also lashed out at CAF as well as questioning the award criteria after the ceremony.
The Watford FC goal poacher was voted the EPL’s Player of the Month for December and he said hard work and teamwork were the key to his brilliant form.
“I must thank my teammates for their contribution to every goal I scored. I owe them a lot for the award,” said Ighalo.
“Most people do not see the hard work I put into my game, the feel I just show up and score goals.
“Aubameyang (Pierre-Emerick) showed up and won the award (APoTY) and I think I can do the same. It will require a lot of hard work but it is surely achievable.”
The next CAF Award for the African Player of the Year is set to be announced after the 2017 CAF African Cup of Nations in Gabon next year.
Go Round/SWAN Secondary Schools Athletices Championship’s mascot ‘duckie’ surrounded by dignitaries: R-L: SWAN President, Saidu Abubakar, Chairman of the occsion, Hon Austin Opara, unveiler, Chief Adokiye Amiesimaka , sponsor, Bro Felix Obuah, S. A. to Governor Nyesom Wike, Hon Elemchukwu Ogbowu, after the official unveilingof the mascot by the Main Organising Committee (MOC) Port Harcourt. yesterday. Photo: Chris Monyanaga.
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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