Sports
2023 AFCON Qualifier: Peseiro Drops Orban, Boniface
Nigerians have expressed shock at the ommission of KAA Gent of Belgium striker, Gift Orban and Victor Boniface of Royale Union Saint Gilloise from the latest Super Eagles squad.
Coach José Santos Peseiro on Friday unveiled his 23-man squad for the Super Eagles’ upcoming 2023 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Sierra Leone.
While the roster includes notable names like Victor Osimhen and William Troost-Ekong, the exclusion of Orban and Boniface has raised eyebrows and sparked discussions among football enthusiasts.
Many football fans have begun to wonder why Peseiro left out two players who were in exceptional form and created waves in their respective divisions in Belgium during the 2022/23 season.
The explosive Orban scored 15 goals in 16 league matches since joining Gent only in January. The 20-year-old also scored 20 goals in 22 games in all competitions for Gent.
He scored six goals in four play-off games and bagged nine goals in the regular league season. Also in this season’s UEFA Europa Conference League, Orban had five goals in six games.
Similarly, Boniface, who emerged as the top scorer in the Europa League for the 2022-23 season with six goals, seemed destined for a call-up to the national team.
Orban and Boniface, were, however, snubbed by Peseiro and the Nigerian Football Federation who instead called up the likes of Ahmed Musa and Moses Simon who have been perilously out of form.
This led to Nigerian football lovers venting their anger on social media, especially Twitter since the list was released by Peseiro on Friday morning.
“Ahmed Musa has had a brilliant Super Eagles career but it’s time to drop him. He didn’t have a single goal or assist this season and started only six times for Sivasspor in Turkey.
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.