Sports
S’Africa’s Amajita Dominates Flying Eagles … 8-Nation Tourney
South Africa’s Under-20 team, Amajita beat Nigeria’s Flying Eagles 1-0 to bundle them out of the 8 Nation Tournament match at Cape Town Stadium early in the week.
It was a game dominated by South Africa, who missed a lot of opportunities, until Jerry Mxabo put one away at the end.
The early stages of the game were tight with neither team able to gain the upper-hand. Nigeria looked to expose South Africa with aerial balls from out wide, but the host nation did well to get numbers around their opponents.
There was a half chance for Aminu Umar after 21 minutes, but he dragged a low drive just wide.
At the other end, Amajita’s build-up play showed promise, but they lacked the killer ball needed to unlock the Nigeria defence.
It was the Flying Eagles who had the better chances on goal – Uche Agbo not too far off with a glanced header and then the same player setting up Christian Obinna, but with only the keeper to beat Obinna blazed his effort over the bar.
Into stoppage time and Amajita had half a chance, but Jerry Mxabo was unable to get enough on a back post header.
The South African side came out firing on all cylinders after the break, causing the Nigerian defence all kinds of problems with some incisive play around the box.
This time, however, it was the final touch that was missing as Mxabo shot over the bar, while Mbongeni Gumede sent a header marginally wide.
Mxabo then had his header tipped around the post by Chukwunenye Okanki, before Snethemba Ngidi had a goal disallowed for what seemed to be a handball call.
There was a rare chance for the Flying Eagles when Simon Innocent sent a 25-yard effort just off target.
It was Amajita who remained the bigger threat on attack as they continued to attack with pace and determination.
The reward came in the 85th minute, as Mxabo finally got his finishing right, volleying home after Kgosietsile Ntlhe’s excellent back-post ball.
The Flying Eagles exited the tournament without a point after losing to Ghana and Argentina, previously.
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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