Sports
Rohr’s Sack Excites Fans, Query NFF’s Coach Choice
Some Nigerian fans could not hide their excitement at the sack of former Super Eagles coach, Gernot Rohr, by the Nigeria Football Federation last Sunday.
The NFF, in a statement, announced the termination of the Franco-German’s contract after a five-year stint with the three-time African champions, and appointed the federation’s Technical Director, Augustine Eguavoen, as the interim boss pending when a substantive coach would be appointed.
Tidesports source gathered that Eguavoen will kick-start the country’s preparation for the forthcoming Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon, January, next year.
Before the termination of his contract, fans had called for the sack of the gaffer due to the poor performances of the national team in recent games, especially their 1-0 loss to Central African Republic at the TeslimBalogun Stadium, Lagos and their inability to beat Cape Verde in Lagos in their final 2022 World Cup group stage qualifiers.
The former Bayern Munich defender had also been slammed by fans for his inability to create a recognisable style of play for the country’s senior national team.
Reacting to Rohr’s sacking, @PastorSteve-tweeted, “Really don’t know why it took them this long… he’s too clueless for a team like the Eagles. This is quite a golden generation for Nigerian football. If they can’t win anything with these boys, it may take another two decades to assemble such.”
“Rohr was largely unimaginative and had reached the limits of his abilities. A talent pool such as Nigeria is a coach’s dream and he had a lot of time. His ignoring of Emmanuel Dennis was a red line that tripped the axe,” Concorde wrote.
Reacting to the appointment of Eguavoen, Adedayo Charles tweeted, “You couldn’t write this script. When last did Austin coach a team? Have we forgotten what happened under his watch the last time? Secondly, I can see ‘98, 2002 and 2010 all over again.”
SlasherAdeyemi, said, “The same Eguaveon that left our best legs on d bench and fielded inexperienced players in a semi-final match against Ivory Coast?”
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.