Sports
Ighalo Writes Farewell Message To Eagles, Nigerians
AFCON 2019 top scorer award winner, Odion Ighalo, has sent out an emotional farewell message to Super Eagles’ fans and his former Nigeria teammates following his retirement from international football, Tidesports source reports
Ighalo ended his international career on a high by winning the top scorer award of the 22nd Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt with five goals. His impressive form also helped Nigeria win the tournament’s bronze medal.
Firstly, on his AFCON 2019 top scorer award feat, Ighalo tweeted on his Twitter platform: “All Glory To God.”
The Shanghai Shenhua striker first announced his international retirement on Wednesday, July 17 after scoring his fifth AFCON 2019 goal that ensured the Super Eagles edge out the Carthage Eagles of Tunisia in the tournament’s bronze medal match.
“This is one of the most difficult career decisions I have had to take. It’s been an amazing five years journey, but after due consultation and extensive discussion with my family, I have decided it’s time for me to retire from the National team,” Ighalo said in a statement.
“It’s has been an eventful and most memorable opportunity to serve my country with pride, passion and to contribute my quota to the development of our football, the memories would stay with me for a long time and I’m immensely grateful.
“It is now time to concentrate on club football and give the younger
players chance to learn and grow. I would love to thank the NFF, coach Gernot Rohr for believing in me against all odds, to my teammates for their professionalism and team spirit. Without you guys I wouldn’t have achieved so much with this team.
“To Nigerian football fans all over the world, I say thank you, you were always there to cheer us on
and our 12th players every time we step into the pitch. I will be watching and cheering the super
Eagles from this side. thank you….signing OUT”
Ighalo also released a statement directed to his Shanghai Shenhua fans concerning his current injury situation. The striker copped what looked like an hamstring after scoring the Super Eagles’ lone goal winner against Tunisia.
“This is the most difficult season in my club career, but playing for my country has always been a dream and this is the last big tournament in my international career,” he said.
“ I’m so unlucky to have got the same injury and especially this period that my team needs me. l feel so sorry for the fans, that I will be missing some games, but I will work hard to be back ASAP to end the season very well,” Ighalo appealed to Shanghai Shenhua faithful.
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.