Sports
AFCON ’25: Osimhen Not Worried By Yekini Comparison, Pressure
Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has said that he does not lose sleep over comparisons with the late Rashidi Yekini, insisting his focus remains on helping Nigeria win matches, not chasing individual records.
Osimhen, who captained Nigeria to a 3-1 win over Uganda on Tuesday, dismissed suggestions he is obsessed with overtaking Yekini’s all-time scoring record of 37 goals.
To be honest, I never go to bed thinking about trying to equal or surpass the record,” the Galatasaray forward said.
He explained that his priority is contributing to the team through goals, assists and overall effort, rather than personal milestones.
Osimhen added that he believes the record will come someday, but not at the expense of team objectives or enjoyment of the game.
The 27-year-old forward currently has 32 goals for Nigeria, five short of Yekini’s long-standing national record, and has scored only one goal from three games played so far.
In spite of failing to score against Uganda, Osimhen led by example as Paul Onuachu and Raphael Onyedika, who scored twice, sealed the victory.
Nigeria finished in Group C with a perfect record, nine points from three matches, advancing confidently to the Round of 16.
Osimhen stressed that leadership, teamwork and winning matches matter more to him than personal glory at this stage of his career.
He said his attention is firmly on guiding the Super Eagles toward their fourth Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title in Morocco.
Nigeria will be taking on Mozambique in the Round of 16 fixture on Monday by 8.00pm in Fez.
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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