Sports
Falconets Return To Camp For World Cup
FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup-bound Falconets of Nigeria resumed camping in Abuja yesterday.
The Nigeria Football Association’s (NFA) Chief Media Officer, Ademola Olajire, said this in a statement at the weekend in Lagos.
The statement recounted how the Falconets swept past Zimbabwe and Democratic Republic of Congo in the African qualifying series, scoring 13 goals without conceding any on the way to the finals.
The sixth edition of the U-20 World Cup is slated to hold from August 19 to September 8 in Japan.
Tokyo, Kobe, Miyagi, Saitama and Hiroshima are hosting the competition.
The Falconets have been drawn in Group B of the four-group preliminary phase, alongside South Korea, Brazil and Italy.
The statement said that the Falconets would engage the Koreans in Saitama on August19; Brazil, three days later in the same city; and Italy, August 26, in Kobe.
It listed the 35 players expected to report at the Serob Legacy Hotel, Abuja, as Gloria Ofoegbu, Josephine Chukwunonye, Ebere Orji, Uchechi Sunday, Francisca Ordega, Ebubeleye Whyte, Jennifer Osawaru, Ugo Njoku, Grace Eyebhoria, and Chidinma Okoro.
Others are, Ugochi Okafor, Chioma Nwankwo, Stella Henry, Blessing Edoho, Bukola Ogunnoiki,Pelican Stars; Cecilia Nku, Charity Adule, BayelsaQueens; and Desire Oparanozie.
Also on the list are Ngozi Okobi, Jane David, Delta Queens; Asisat Oshoala, FCRobo; Lola Philips, Fasilat Adeyemo; Confluence Queens; Esther Sunday, Damilola Akano, Sunshine Queens; and Prudent Ugoh, Nasarawa Amazons.
Equally listed are Vivian Okotie, Osarenoma Igbinovia, InnehQueens; Juliana Osuji, Nitto Queens; Abosede Olukayode, Charity Elibor, Cerezo Queens;, Tina Chinyere, FCT Queens; Ayeniberun Opeyemi, Rosemary Okoro, Tokas Queens; Chiamaka Okafor, Tewo Queens.
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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