Sports
Ex – Football Star Faults Eguavoen’s 32-Man Eagles List
An Ex-Football Star in Rivers State, Christian Isaac has given a thumb-down on Coach Austine Eguavoen provisional 32-man Eagles Squad invited in readiness for the two legged World Cup play-offs against Black Stars of Ghana without non-inclusion of home based players in the list.
Reacting further while speaking with our reporter at Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium Omagwa recently, Isaac wondered the rationale Eguavoen used in his invitation of players ahead of the World Cup play offs against Ghana.
“Honestly, I’m yet to be convinced that there is no good home based player that could fit into the main stream of Eagles team, having seen some exceptional good ones both in Rivers United, Rangers, Enyimba, Plateau United among others who have been scoring goals week in week out in the NPFL games.
“In fact, I will suggest that Coach Austine Eguavoen as a matter of fact, should be asked to revisit his 32-man roaster for Eagles with a view to incorporating one or two home – based players into the team.
“After all, how then can we develop our local league when all attention and invitation of players for the National team are being focused only on foreign based players,” he queried angrily.
Asked on the chances of Eagles team against Black Stars of Ghana, who are already talking tough to stop Nigeria Super Eagles from securing the sole ticket of qualifying, the soft spoken Isaac described the threat of the Ghanaians as one of those boastings often seen among football fans.
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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