Sports
AFCON Qualifier: Rohr Prays For Osimhen,Wants Iheanacho, Chukwueze
Super Eagles manager, Gernot Rohr, says he hopes to see Victor Osimhen back in form before March’s AFCON qualifying games, while he also insists only the fittest attackers will be invited for the two matches.
Osimhen just returned from a three-month injury layoff and Coronavirus, which has affected his form. The 22-year-old picked up a shoulder injury in the first leg of Nigeria’s clash against Sierra Leone last November.
The injury kept him out of action for two months, but after recovering, the Nigerian international contracted Coronavirus following a trip from Nigeria.
While he has since recovered from the virus, Osimhen has struggled for form in the games he has played for Napoli.
However, Rohr hopes the striker can rediscover his form before Nigeria’s game against the Benin Republic and Lesotho.
“I hope he (osimhen) will be very fit again, it is my first wish. But he is on the right way now, playing again in Napoli,” Rohr said.
Although Osimhen is currently struggling, Rohr is still spoilt for choice in attack with the likes of Paul Onuachu, Terem Moffi, Sadiq Umar and Josh Maja all impressing at their clubs.
Kelechi Iheanacho has also impressed for Leicester City in recent games, even though he has had just a few starts in the Premier League this season.
And speaking on who among the lot will get an invitation in March, Rohr insists only the fittest will be invited.
“The second striker is also Kelechi, playing in the cup, but not in the league. So we have many strikers. The fittest one will be invited,” Rohr said.
The German tactician also said he hopes to have Samuel Chukwueze available, while he also stressed the importance of having quick attackers for the games.
”I think we will miss Chukwueze, which is a little problem because the time is very short after his injury.”
“I hope to have him, but it’s still not sure. But we have other wingers. It’s important to have our quick wingers because our system is based on the fast players on the side.”
And with Chukwueze returning to Villarreal’s squad Friday night, Rohr has been handed a boost ahead of the two games.
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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