Sports
Coach Henry Converts Nigerian Winger To Striker
Following Nigerian winger, Orji Okwonkwo’s move from Bologna back to Montreal Impact, Coach Thierry Henry has plans to convert the player into a striker.
The Nigerian U-23 international has returned to the Major League Soccer (MLS) club on loan from Italian side Bologna, with an option for a permanent deal from next January.
Okwonkwo has mostly been deployed as a wide attacker during his career, but he could be in for a different role in the future – in much the same way that Henry himself was converted to a prolific striker by former Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger.
“Henry was the main reason Orji returned to Montreal Impact, Henry wants him to play as a top striker in the new season,” Okwonkwo’s agent Femi Olaniran of Quintessence Sports Management told Tidesports source.
“Henry is going to teach him how to play as a striker, he told me he sees himself as a young Orji. Orji has the pace too.
“Henry wants to train Orji exactly how Wenger trained him to become a deadly striker. This is a good move for Orji and he’s going to learn at Montreal Impact.
“In his playing days Henry was one of the best strikers in the world and it will help Orji in his future career.”
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.