Sports
Super Eagles Lack Fighting Spirit-Aghahowa
Former Super Eagles goal king, Julius Aghahowa, has said that the return of the fighting spirit to the Super Eagles’ attack is imperative if the senior national male football team must return to winning ways.
Speaking with news men in Lagos, at the unveiling of the 12 teams for the maiden Naija Super Eight, Aghahowa stated that the team as presently constituted lacked the fighting spirit that it was known for in the 1990s and 2000s.
“The Super Eagles of today have great players, but something is missing. That fighting spirit in the attack is no longer there, and there is an urgent need for the team to have it back again to return to winning ways,” he said.
Asked if Coach Jose Peseiro has what it takes to return the team to its glory days Aghahowa said: That question should be directed to the Nigeria Football Federation. But for me, I think the Super Eagles need a coach, who will be on the ground in Nigeria. Move around league venues to scout for talented players, who are hungry to win, and who will sharpen the team’s attack.”
Other former internationals at the occasion were Ike Shorunmi, Tijani Babangida, Jonathan Akpoborie, Victor Ezeji, and Mutiu Adepoju.
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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