Sports
Super Eagles Pip Namibia 1-0 In Calabar …Keshi Dedicates Victory To Crash Victims
The Super Eagles of Nigeria yesterday at the UJ Esuene Stadium, Calabar, Cross River State began the race for the 2014 World Cup, Brazil ticket on a victorious note, courtesy of a lone goal victory over the Brave Warriors of Namibia.
The victory ensure that Nigeria tops her group of the qualifiers with three points, as other group opponents, Malawi and Kenya played out a draw in Nairobi in the day one of the qualifiers.
Meanwhile, Super Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi has dedicated yesterday’s victory to the families of those that lost their lives in the Dana Air plane crash that claimed about 153 lives in Lagos, yesterday.
In the match watched by a capacity crowd in Calabar, and followed by millions of Nigerians on television, the Super Eagles left it late to score and secured their first victory in the new era under Keshi.
Indeed, the Eagles, despite dominating proceedings and creating countless chances huffed and puffed in attempt to put the Namibians to the sword.
They were guilty of profligacy in front of goal, with striker Ikechukwu Uche the biggest culprit.
Nigeria had ample chances to have put the game to bed in the first half, but resolute defending and poor marksmanship combined to deny them the goals that would have eased the nerves of their fans.
Rather, it was the visitors who had boasted of giving the Eagles a good run for their money that ended the first half being the happier of the two teams and resumed the second more determined to keep the scoreline barren.
As the second half wore on, the Namibians became more adventurous, trying to catch Nigeria on the counter but lacked the muscle to realise their aim .
It was barely five minutes to the end of regulation time, with Keshi using up his substitutes that Ikechukwu Uche finally broke the deadlock.
He latched onto a pass in the box, dummied a defender with the right foot before unleashing a low drive with the left to finally breach the Brave Warriors net.
Tonye Orabere
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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