Sports
Playing In Lagos’ll Motivate Super Eagles – Troost-Ekong
Super Eagles defender, William Troost-Ekong, has admitted that playing international games in Lagos has been exciting so far.
Nigeria’s largest city, Lagos, hosted a competitive men’s senior football match for the first time in 20 years in March and the team will be back to face the Lone Stars of Liberia today at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere .
The Watford of England defender, while revealing that all players in the Eagles’ camp are determined to put in their best during the game, which will kick-start their quest for a ticket to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, believes that Lagos fans will further motivate the team.
“I have come to Lagos many times, but this is the second time of playing here and it is exciting,” the former Tottenham Hotspurs youngster said. “The Last time we played here, we saw how happy people were here to see us play and hopefully we can fill up the place on Friday (today) .”
“You can see the buzz around the town by the fans, knowing that we are here and hopefully we can reward everyone on Friday with a good game and nice goals.”
The former Udinese of Italy star also commented on the status of the recently renovated pitch of the stadium, stressing that it will help the Eagles rout their fellow West Africans.
“We are really happy and the pitch is looking good compared to the last time we were here, they worked on it very well.
“So, we have to give them credit for that. I’m just hoping the weather is not going to rain too much, so we can be ready to play on Friday,” he said.
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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