Sports
Super Eagles Bank On Odemwingie, Yakubu For Goals
Nigeria hope Peter Odemwingie can transfer his scoring touch from the English Midlands to Rwanda as the CAF Africa Cup of Nations 2013 qualifiers begin today.
The West Bromwich Albion striker netted twice in the weekend demolition of Sunderland and got a hat-trick in his previous Premier League outing against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Also, returnee Yakubu Aiyegbeni has been terrific for Blackburn Rovers. Despite incurring the wrath of Nigerian fans for missing glaring chances at the 2010 World Cup, it is hoped that he would replicate his club form for country beginning from today
Odemwingie was dumped by the Super Eagles last year after a bust-up with then coach, Samson Siasia, who gave way to Stephen Keshi after failing to qualify for this year’s African finals.
Keshi has ditched the long-time policy of Nigerian coaches to choose almost exclusively foreign-based players, including 11 locals for the first round, first leg clash at the 22,000-seat Stade de Kigali.
But the spine of the team will still be foreign with goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama, defenders Joseph Yobo and Taye Taiwo, midfielder Joel Obi and Odemwingie. There is also likely to be a first cap for Wigan Athletic midfielder Victor Moses, capped at various age-group levels by England after moving there in his early teens.
“Bear the heat because Rwanda is going to be even hotter on match day,” Keshi warned his players after an early afternoon training session staged to replicate the conditions expected in central Africa.
Rwanda lack the pedigree of two-time African champions Nigeria, qualifying for the tournament only once, and are 18 places below the west Africans on the continental rankings.
“We do not want to be a punching bag like in the last qualifying competition when conceding five goals at home to Ivory Coast,” stressed recently hired coach Milutin Sredojevic.
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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