Sports
2022 W’Cup Qualifier:Rohr Hopeful Of Good Outing Against Liberia
Nigeria has ‘small injuries’ and will do a good job against Liberia in today’s 2022 Fifa World Cup qualifier, according to coach, Gernot Rohr.
The Super Eagles are hoping to qualify for the global football showpiece, nonetheless, they must first negotiate their way past the Lone Star, Cape Verde and Central African Republic in Group C.
To avoid a tortuous route to qualifying, the three-time African kings would be gunning for all three points against Peter Butler’s side, who are hoping to reach the World Cup for the first time in their history.
And ahead of the encounter billed for the Teslim Balogun Stadium, the German tactician is upbeat that his team would be set to rumble despite the injuries in his squad.
“Concerning the shape of the players, we judge based on the games at their clubs,” Rohr told media.
“We monitored some of them this weekend and most of them did well in their clubs, some could not play so much, there was a red card for (Victor) Osimhen and we have small injuries but not serious.
“So, the group we have will be able to do good work and be ready for this very important match of this World Cup qualifiers on Friday (today).”
The former Gabon, Niger Republic and Burkina Faso handler also gave an update about the team’s training so far.
“The light workout was okay,” he continued.
“We had players who travelled, played games and are a bit tired so we wanted to do something fun with good football technique so we have the new balls from FIFA which is a little bit different since we had to feel the balls.
“The session was to start in the gym then we had to go out and continue with the exercise.”
After their match against Liberia, Nigeria will head to Estadio Municipal Aderito Sena, Mindelo four days later to take on Bubista’s Blue Sharks.
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.