Sports
I Am Like Jamie Vardy – Ahmed Musa
Leicester City signing
Ahmed Musa believes he is similar to team-mate Jamie Vardy with his speed and work ethic.
The Nigeria international joined the Premier League champions from CSKA Moscow in a deal reportedly worth a club-record £16.6million.
Musa scored 13 league goals in Russia last season and compared his style to that of Vardy, the 2015-16 player of the season after netting 24 times.
“I was a goalie between 10 and 12, but changing was the best decision of my life because I would never have been good enough to become a professional goalkeeper,” he said.
“It was difficult at first but then you get used to the fact you are not very big. A lot of people used to tell me, ‘Musa, you are too small to be a striker.’
“But I said: ‘It doesn’t matter what size you are, it’s what you can do that matters. I think I am like Jamie Vardy. I have speed, I like to work hard, we are similar in lots of things.
“Am I faster? I can’t say yet, I have never played with him, but I am looking forward to finding out. I’m looking forward to playing with Vardy. I like his style. I think we can fit well together.”
Musa spent time with VVV-Venlo in the Eredivisie before his move to Russia in 2012, shining for CSKA.
The 23-year-old said the intensity of training at Leicester had already taken him by surprise.
“When I started my first session I was thinking, ‘Wow’,” Musa said.
“I have never seen that in Russia but now I am getting used to it The intensity here is quite different to Russia. Here it is a little bit harder, in Russia they are more laid back.
“I think that is the most difficult thing, but I think that is the secret behind Leicester’s success.”
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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