Sports
Amuneke Debunks NFF’s Imposition Of Players On S’Eagles
Former Super Eagles Assistant Coach, Emmanuel Amuneke, has debunked reports that top officials of the Nigeria Football Federation imposed some invited players for the team at the 2022 FIFA World Cup double-leg playoff, against Ghana.
Tidesports source gathered that hours after the Black Stars pipped Nigeria by the away goal rule at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja, it rumoured that top officials of the NFF imposed some players on the coaching crew, and that it was one of the reasons the national team lost to Ghana.
The World Cup playoff second leg match in Abuja ended 1-1.
The two west African countries had drawn 0-0 in the first leg in Kumasi last week.
Speaking on the development, Amuneke dismissed the reports, insisting that the coaching crew headed by Austin Eguavoen made the final decision on the team selection against Ghana.
“We all had opinions about the invited players,” Amuneke said.
“We had a conversation with Austin Eguavoen, who is the head of the technical crew and of course, he has the final say over the list because he is the man in charge,” he said.
Meanwhile, the NFF had on Thursday sacked Eguavoen, Amuneke and all the Super Eagles technical coaching crew after failure to qualify for “Qatar 2022.”
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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