Sports
Peseiro In S’Africa To Get Goalkeeper
Super Eagles Coach, Jose Peseiro, has taken his search for a quality goalkeeper to South Africa, where forgotten Nigerian star, Daniel Akpeyi plays for Moroka Swallows.
Francis Uzoho is currently Super Eagles number one goalkeeper, but the Cyprus-based player has come under severe attack following his unconvincing displays in recent games.
Peseiro said recently that he is willing to give everybody, including local goalkeepers, opportunity to stake their claim for the number one spot. Ahead of next month’s Africa Cup of Nations, Peseiro met with Sports Minister, Senator John Owan Enoh, and top officials of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), where he outlined his plans for Nigeria’s success at Cote d’Ivoire 2024.
According to reports from that meeting, one of Peseiro’s promises is to ensure that both the defence, midfield and the goalkeeping departments complement the efforts of the attack, which many believe is the only top-quality department in the team.
According to reports, Peseiro wants to bring back Akpeyi to the team to provide competition for Uzoho, who seems to be having it easy in the team.
Sources at the NFF said the Portuguese has contacted everybody he wants to give a chance in the team, adding that the list of players for the Eagles’ UAE camp will be released before the Christmas festivities.
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.