Sports
Eguaveon Explains Olisema’s Omission From S’Eagles Squad
The Nigeria Football Federation Technical Director, Austin Eguavoen, says picking the home-based squad for the Mexico clash was not easy.
Eguaveon invited 25 players to camp for the game billed for the international friendly on July 4 in the United States and Switzerland, but many questions were raised over the exclusion of Enyimba’s midfielders Cyril Olisema and Astin Oladapo.
In a chat with reporters after the team’s training at the FIFA goal project in Abuja, Eguavoen explained the process of selection.
“I have been to few venues to watch league games, the NPFL and of course the NNL, even the NLO and we pencilled down a lot of players and I had to also rely on information from coaches that I know in the league, Eguavoen told reporters.
The coach said: “It wasn’t that easy because I have seen a lot of criticisms in the pages of newspapers and of course electronic media but it is okay, the only thing is that people have to do their research first before they speak, everybody is entitled to his or her opinion, it’s not a problem at all.”
On Cyril Olisema’s, omission, the Nigeria Football Federation’s technical director said:
“My apologies, there is one player that is not here, Olisema, was my player in Gombe United, I know him very well in and out but in these positions, we have a lot of players, but this is only one game, other games will come”.
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.