Sports
Ronaldinho Did What Okocha Had Done 10, 15 Years Before -Eto’o
Cameroon legend Samuel Eto’o believes his counterpart from Nigeria, Augustine ‘Jay-Jay’ Okocha, did not get the recognition he deserved for his exploits in football.
The former Super Eagles midfielder was one of the finest players during his era owing to his skill and intelligence.
The newly-elected Fecafoot president believes the West African was talented just like Brazilian Ronaldinho. He has now expressed his displeasure considering the fact that the now 48-year-old did not receive as many accolades, stating it is an “injustice of world football”.
“It is the injustice of world football. What we saw Ronaldinho do a few years ago, Jay-Jay [Okocha] had done 10 or 15 years before and he never had the recognition of others. And that’s what happens when it comes to Africa,” Eto’o said.
Okocha started his career as a youth at Enugu Rangers before being snapped up by German side Borussia Neunkirchen, where he played from 1990-1992. He would later join Eintracht Frankfurt from 1992, where he spent until 1996.
The next stop for the midfielder was in Turkish top-tier side Fenerbahce between 1996 and 1998, before being signed by French heavyweights Paris Saint-Germain for the next four years.
The most appearances for the player came at the English side Bolton Wanderers, where he played from 2002 to 2006 before winding his football career down with Qatar FC and later Hull City.
In international football, Okocha managed to win the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) trophy in 1994 with Nigeria. He also helped his country secure Africa’s first Olympic gold in Atlanta in 1996 with his dazzling skill.
In 2004 while at PSG, Okocha played a part in mentoring Ronaldinho; the latter went on to win several top awards including two Fifa World Player of the Year Awards and Ballon d’Or, something Okocha never came close to winning.
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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