Sports
Nigerian Players Not Second Choice – Mikel
Former Super Eagles skipper, Mikel John Obi has seriously kicked against some foreign-born players, using Nigeria as a second option when considering which country to represent at the senior international level.
Speaking to Tidesports source on Friday, the Chelsea legend urged them to be proud of their Nigerian roots and not wait until age has taken a toll on them before using the country as a last resort.
He said, “They want to play for England, France, whatever it is, and then they wait. When they get to 25 or 26 and they do not get a call up from England, then, they call Nigeria. We shouldn’t be treated as a second option. You should be proud of your African roots. You should be proud to represent your African country.
“If you decide you want to play for England, stick to it. Sit and wait, but don’t wait till 29 or 30, you have passed your best, then, you are like, ‘Oh Nigeria FA, I’m ready to play for you now’. No, f…k off, mate.”
Mikel has every right to address this issue, having served Nigeria with every fibre in him, representing the country at U17, U20, and U23 levels before graduating to the senior level, playing 91 matches from 2005 to 2019, and serving as captain of the Super Eagles for several years.
Some of the players who resorted to Nigeria after failed bids to play for their countries of birth, especially England, include Shola Ameobi, a striker overlooked by England after representing the country at the U20 level. He beckoned on Nigeria at age 32 and ended up scoring twice in 10 appearances from 2012 to 2014.There is also Reuben Agboola, who did not consider Nigeria while making waves in the Premier League as ‘Agboola the Rock’. After being ignored by England, the then-right-back decided to play for Nigeria at 29 and earned nine caps from 1991 to 1993.
Prominent on this list is striker Dickson Etuhu, who turned to Nigeria at 25 and ended up with 19 caps from 2007 to 2011.
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.