Sports
AYC: Obu Promises To Fortify Team
Mauritius Coach, Raven Dorasami admitted on Saturday that Nigeria’s Flying Eagles displayed far superior skillful play than his defeated team.
The Nigerian under-20 team defeated their Mauritius counterpart 2-1 in the final round of the Africa Youth Championship (AYC) qualifier at the Abuja National Stadium.
Tidesports source reports that with the defeat, the Flying Eagles have qualified for the AYC championship on a 4-1 aggregate, having beaten their opponents by two goals to nil in the first leg of the encounter.
Dorasami admitted that the Nigerian side was more tactical and skillful and deserved to win.
“I think the Nigerian team played better, in the defence, attack and in the midfield.
“They were the better side as you saw throughout 90 minutes. They dictated the pace of the game,” Dorasami said after Saturday’s match.
He, however, observed that the Flying Eagles’ weakness was shown in the defence which he said needed to be fortified ahead of Libya 2011.
“If I were to identify any weakness in the Nigerian team, that would be the defence, it was shaky today,” the coach said.
Dorasami also wished the Nigerian side a successful outing in Libya in 2011.
Flying Eagles coach, John Obuh, who also acknowledged the weakness promised to strengthen his team ahead of next year’s Africa Youth Championship (AYC) in Libya.
Nigeria’s goals came from Omo Ojabu and Terry Envoh in the 4th and 38th minutes of the first half respectively, while their opponent’s only goal was scored in the second half of the match.
Obuh said that his defenders and midfielders were complacent in the second half which was why the team conceded the goal.
“You could see that the midfield and the defence went to sleep in the second half.
“They took their opponents for granted which resulted in the goal they conceded,” he said.
Obuh however said that he would fortify the team ahead of the championship in Libya in 2011.
“I think the team is not that bad. You know the players, they are very good.
“But there would be some inclusion in the team ahead of the tournament in Libya,” Obuh 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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