Sports
No Anointed Candidate For Super Eagles Job – NFF
About 600 candidates jostling to take over the reins of the Super Eagles and Golden Eaglets, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has categorically stated that it has no preference yet for the vacant coaching positions.
This much has been disclosed by former Nigeria international, Victor Ikpeba, a member of the NFF’s Technical Committee saddled with the responsibility of pruning down the bogus list of candidates desirous to manage both the men’s senior national team as well as their cadet counterparts.
Ikpeba hinted that only the best coach will get the nod for the Super Eagles top job, adding that the NFF has given his committee the carte blanche to pick the best man for the job irrespective of his origin.
“If the NFF had an anointed candidate, they would not have thrown open the selection. They would have quickly named such a coach and nothing would have happened,” Ikpeba was quoted as saying in a frank exchange with veteran editor, Samm Audu.
He continued, : “Social media will not pick a coach for Nigeria. There is a lot that has to be considered before you appoint a coach, you have to go beyond what many see or think.
“Ikpeba maintains that the best man should get this job.
“It is not the colour of the skin of a coach that should be considered. We deserve a coach who will get us results,” he put up his position. “Tribalism is one of the biggest problems in Nigeria. Can a local coach be above this problem?
“Yes, football unites the country, but we are a country of many tribes and whether we like it or not, we are often inclined to favour those from our tribes.”
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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