Sports
Okocha Decries Poor State Of Youth Football
Former Super Eagles Captain, Augustine Okocha, has expressed sadness over Golden Eaglets’ inability to qualify for the semifinals of the U17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), after suffering 1-2 defeat to their counterpart from Burkina Faso on Thursday.
The loss means that the most successful team in the U17 tournament will not be at the 19th edition of the biennial international men’s youth football tournament holding between November 10 and December 2, 2023.
Speaking on the Eaglets’ setback on Saturday, Okocha said that the neglect of a credible youth football development programme over the years have made the country, a have force to be reckoned with in the past U-17 tournament now to be outshined by other African countries.
He added said that for a nation to grow in soccer, that much investment should be put in developing youths from the grassroots.
“It is obvious for more than a decade now the football stakeholders have failed to invest in youth football development. The national U17 team use to dominate the cadet championship even in worst situations. Nations that are serious invest more in their youths to get the best out of them as players. Some few individuals who own academies in the country are inexperienced. There is no focused structure to prepare players from the grassroots,” he said.
The former BBC African footballer of the year said that he was planning to organise a penalty shootout competition that will see the assembly of other former African football legends later in the year in Nigeria, adding that goalkeepers from the Nigeria Professional League would be used in the championship to encourage and promote them for them to keep giving there best in their career.
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.