Sports
Obuh Banks On S’African Tourney For New F’ Eagles
Head coach of the Flying Eagles, John Obuh, has described as a major setback the inability of players in the U-17 team to move into the national U-20 team.
Obuh told newsmen last week in Abuja that the forthcoming Eight-Nation Invitational Tournament in South Africa would be used to assess the players in new squad.
The tournament in Cape Town is scheduled to hold between May 24 and June 3, with Nigeria’s Flying Eagles defending the title won in the 2010 inaugural edition.
“As it is now the only thing we can do is to make sure that we use every competition that we participate in to assess the players to select the ones we will be able to groom together.
“And that is why we are looking forward to this South Africa game; probably after about two or three games we will be able to asses them very well,’’ he said.
The coach said that he was not expecting too much from the team for now, adding that the game would enable the players to test their ability in a competitive match.
“When we start raising an entirely new team like this, the thing that will be on the technical crews’ mind is the possibility of getting what you need from the new players.
“Once you find out that they have the understanding of the game, their coordination is good, they have the necessary skills and they are coachable, then you can pick up from there.
“Definitely it would have been better if we had at least about eight or 10 that played together in the U- 17 team,’’ Obuh said.
He said the performance of the present crop of players in the team during the trial matches would determine whether there would be any addition or subtraction from the squad.
The coach allayed the fears of clubs that the players might not be released to honour club assignments, saying that playing for their clubs was also good exposure
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.