Sports
Peseiro Pleads For More Time
Super Eagles coach, Jose Peseiro, is pleading for more time to build a formidable senior national team. The Portuguese, who said the ingredients for a successful team are available in the current Nigerian squad, believes he has the capacity to turn the Super Eagles into a worldclass side.
Speaking after Monday’s Cote d’Ivoire 2023 African Cup of Nations qualifier against Guinea Bissau in Bissau, which Nigeria won 1-0, Peseiro said circumstances beyond the team’s control contributed to the poor shows in the two-legged tie.
He said, “We played much better than we did in the first leg in Abuja, because the Bissau pitch is much better than the MKO Abiola Stadium. We lost many scoring chances in the two games because the players are still trying to blend. But we had chances to have beaten them 6-0 in Abuja and may be 5-0 in the second leg.” He expressed satisfaction with the over all performance of his players, adding that all they need is more time to blend into a formidable side.
“We created clear opportunities and controlled the game, but we could not get our finishing right. We have one of the best strikers in Europe and some of the top stars in their clubs; so, I believe that with time, we will start playing to Nigerians’ expectations.”
He acknowledged that Nigerians were becoming impatient with the Super Eagles because of their recent poor outings, adding, however, that the emerging national team would satisfy fans’ aspirations.
“I know Nigerians like good football, which was why the last coach was sacked. I am assuring the fans that things will soon change. We will soon start playing good football,” he said.
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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