Sports
S’ Eagles Coach Calls For Focus On Positives
Super Eagles Technical Adviser, Gernot Rohr has decried the air of negativity that is being peddled around the work and effort of himself and other members of Management and backroom staff of the three –time African champions.
Of recent, the media has published a number of articles that suggested that all was not well with the Super Eagles on various issues and these have been cause for worry for the Franco-German tactician.
“We are in very good spirit in our team,” Rohr told the nff.com. “We are a happy family with solidarity and harmony amongst ourselves – the players and staff. The Management, backroom staff and the players have a common focus – to qualify Nigeria for the 2018 FIFA World Cup and the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations. And I would like every Nigerian to share in this focus and stop giving negative reports.”
Rohr dismissed, in their entirety, talks about player dissent, administrative lapses and purported disrespect of certain players in the camp of the five –time FIFA World Cup finalists.
“I am in constant touch with all our players. I talk to them from time to time. And my staff too. Everybody is good with the philosophy that we have, the results we have achieved so far, and the unity is re-assuring.
“You must look at the situation when we learnt that the second friendly match against Burkina Faso was cancelled. In most other teams, players would start to leave, when there are no more matches to play. But in our case, not one single player chose to leave. Rather, more players were coming. We had new, young and hungry players arriving to join us. It is a sign that the word is going round on the big effort of the staff, the fact that we are getting results and many players now want to be a part of it.”
With regards to news making the rounds on whether his salaries were outstanding, the former Gabon and Burkina Faso manager said: “I have a direct contract with the Nigeria Football Federation. I do not discuss my terms and conditions in the media. I have confidence that the NFF signed a contract and that they will honour all terms of the contract. I am still working, so that must mean something”, he concluded.
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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