Sports
Don Makes Case For Indigeneous Coach
A former football star in Rivers State in the early 80’s, who is currently lecturing at Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Rumuolumini, Prof. Kingsley Bekee, has strongly joined the fray in supporting the call for indigenous football coach to tinker the Super Eagles team rather than shopping for a new foreign technical adviser.
Bekee in a no holds barred interview with Tidesports in Port Harcourt recently said that he was yet to be convinced that foreign coaches are better off, in terms of producing good result than indigenous coaches.
“Honestly, Nigeria has good and qualified coaches who are capable to hold their own and lead the Super Eagles team to greater heights if provided with enough sporting facilities, better incentives and above all, given a free hand to select the best players of their choice capable to deliver.”
“Regrettably, our indigenous coaches are passing through a lot of big challenges and their hands tied, following the existing style of quota system in selection of players for the Super Eagles team. “And l can assure you that this idea of ensuring that all ethnic tribes are incorporated had been identified as one of the major causes of super Eagles team’s poor result in several outings.
“However, l stand to be corrected that until this act of proximity and quota system syndrome in our selection of players to the national team is completely nipped in the bud, Nigerian team’s will continue to be wobbling in her competitive outings.”
The one time captain of Asaba technical college soccer team further held the view that it is high time Nigerian football coaches should focus more attention to school football academicals, having recalled that it was the bedrock through which great number of talented young players were discovered in the past to represent their local Government Areas, States, before they finally graduate to play in the national soccer team.
“Though, l’ m not against the invitation of foreign based players into the national team but my arguments still remain that the authorities concerned should do well to revive the school football academicals with a view to discovering budding talents that need exposure before they would be called to camp to team up with some few foreign based players to form a formidable good team.
The ebullient soft spoken Bekee who was a delight to watch during his hey days in NNPC soccer team and defunct Eagle Cement FC in 1986 maintained that the inability of Super Eagles to qualify for the world cup to be hosted by Qatar later in the year should not be seen as the end of life but a bitter lesson that will help Nigeria to correct her lapses, prepare better and stronger for another major soccer championship.
The Nigerian, who arrived in China fresh from winning gold at the African Senior Athletics Championships in Ghana earlier on Wednesday, clocked a season’s best of 12.41s behind Olympic champion Masai Russell and Bahamian star Devynne Charlton.
Russell produced a dominant display to win the race in a meeting record and world-leading time of 12.25s, improving on her previous world lead of 12.40s.
Charlton, the reigning world indoor champion, finished second in 12.38s in one of her strongest outdoor performances to date.
Amusan, whose world record of 12.12s remains the fastest time ever run in the event, improved significantly from her previous season’s best of 12.84s set during her victorious outing at the African Championships in Accra.
The 29-year-old was competing in a stacked field that included reigning world champion Ditaji Kambundji of Switzerland, Jamaican pair Megan Simmonds and Ackera Nugent, China’s Wu Yanni and Americans Tonea Marshall and Danielle Williams.
Kambundji, who won the world title in Tokyo last year with a Swiss record 12.24s, finished fifth in 12.82s, while Jamaica’s Nugent placed sixth in 12.98s.
Marshall and Williams failed to finish the race.
Following Amusan’s victory in Accra, the three-time Diamond League final winner expressed gratitude to her supporters while insisting she remained determined to achieve more success this season.
“Beyond grateful to God, my team, supporters, and everyone who continues to believe in me through every season. Historic feeling. Still hungry for more. The mission continues,”
The 10-time African champions are scheduled to take on the Teranga Lionesses on June 5 and 8 at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, Ogun State, in what will form a key part of their build-up to July’s continental tournament.
The fixtures were confirmed on social media platform X by Super Falcons Show, which announced the details of the encounter and venue.
“Nigeria’s senior women’s national team, the Super Falcons, will take on Senegal Women’s National Team in a double-header international friendly scheduled for June 5 and 8,” the post read.
“Both matches will be played in Ikenne, Nigeria.”
The friendlies come after Nigeria’s proposed training tour of the United Kingdom, which included a planned match against Jamaica, was cancelled due to scheduling complications linked to FIFA’s official women’s international window. The timing meant clubs would not have been obliged to release players.
With that tour shelved, the Senegal fixtures now offer a timely opportunity for coach Justine Madugu and his technical team to assess squad options, test tactical systems and strengthen team cohesion ahead of the WAFCON campaign and longer-term qualification targets for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
Senegal are expected to provide a competitive regional test, with their physical style and disciplined organisation likely to offer Nigeria a different tactical challenge across both matches.
The Super Falcons, who have dominated African women’s football for decades, will be aiming to use the double-header to fine-tune preparations as they pursue another continental title in Morocco next year.
Dr Bojuwoye, a seasoned medical professional with extensive experience in road running events across Nigeria, is expected to bring added value to the race through his expertise.
As medical director, his responsibilities will include overseeing emergency medical response, coordinating first aid stations along the course, ensuring athlete safety, and supervising medical volunteers and paramedics.
His role is critical in safeguarding the health of both elite and recreational runners, as well as spectators.
In addition to unveiling its new medical director, the organisers also announced five corporate partners for the 2026 edition.
The Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN), Petralon Energy, Razzl Drink, Dan Oil, and Carloha Motors have joined as sponsors, reflecting the race’s growing appeal across diverse sectors of the Nigerian economy.
The Okpekpe race, organised by Pamodzi Sports Marketing Company, has steadily risen in prominence since becoming the first road race in Nigeria to earn World Athletics label status in 2015.
It has since advanced to Gold Label Race status, attracting elite athletes from around the world and cementing its reputation as one of Africa’s benchmark road-running competitions.
Edo State, under the leadership of Governor Monday Okpebolo, has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the race, citing its role in promoting tourism, community pride, and international recognition for the region.
Race Director Zack Amodu noted that the new partnerships underscore the event’s stature and its impact beyond sport.
We are delighted to welcome DBN, Petralon, Razzl, and Carloha Motors as partners for the 11th edition. Their support, alongside the backing of Edo State, not only strengthens the race but also reinforces its role as a platform for promoting excellence, youth empowerment, and community development,’ Amodu said.
Beyond its sporting significance, the Okpekpe International 10km Road Race has become a catalyst for social, health, and economic benefits.
It encourages fitness and healthy lifestyles, fosters social cohesion by bringing communities together, and generates economic activity through tourism, hospitality, and local commerce.
The event also showcases Edo State’s cultural vibrancy while contributing to Nigeria’s growing reputation in global athletics.
The 11th edition is expected to draw elite athletes, local participants, and international attention, further consolidating Nigeria’s place on the global athletics calendar.
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