Sports
Osimhen Pleads To Drop Out Of AFCON
Super Eagles interim coach Austin Eguavoen claims Watford threatened Dennis to boycott tournament
Napoli striker Victor Osimhen pleaded with the technical crew of the Super Eagles to be excluded from the forthcoming African Cup of Nations tournament in Cameroon, Saturday.
Osimhen who canceled a planned trip to Italy to assess his cheekbone injury after contracting coronavirus for a second time on Thursday will have to undergo a fresh test on his face on January 4 our correspondent learnt.
Tidesports source reports that the 23-year-old has been replaced by Olympiakos striker Henry Onyekuru.
Speaking through the Nigerian Football Federation media channel on Friday, interim coach Austin Eguavoen said the Napoli striker revealed he was not fully fit to feature at the tournament which kicks off from January 9 to February 6 in Cameroon.
“We had two training sessions with six players in camp and they responded well. We are still expecting re to come in later on Saturday,” Eguavoen said after Friday’s training in Abuja.
“Osimhen, it’s a pity that he will not be at the AFCON. He told me practically and pleaded with me and I saw reasons. I tried for hours to convince him but his health comes first which is my concern.
“When he spoke with me he was disappointed and he told me he was not OK. And did not want to go to the AFCON not fully 100 per cent fit.
“I gave him a few hours and called him back to see whether he will change his mind and he told me he will be going for evaluation on his face on January 4 and 5 before doctors can make a final decision.
With that injury, you have to consider his health. It’s a tough one.”
Eguavoen was also forced to replace Shehu Abdullahi, Leon Balogun and Emmanuel Dennis in his squad for the tournament.
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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