Sports
Nigerians Relieved At Liberia Draw
Nigerians were left relieved over the weekend, when former captain Daniel Amokachi drew Liberia as the Super Eagles opponents for the 2013 Nations Cup final qualifier.
With Senegal still in Pot B when Neil Tovey, South Africa’s 1996 Nations Cup pulled out Nigeria from Pot A, a whole nation held its breath.
As the Nigeria assistant coach held out the little strip of paper that read ‘Liberia’, the collective exhale around Nigeria could have well have been enough to cause a tornado.
Even Amokachi could barely hide a wry, relieved smile when he looked at the name he had just drawn up.
It is an indication of Nigeria’s current brittle state of transition, that none in the country are willing to risk facing high value opposition on the road to South Africa 2013.
Liberia’s Lone Star are yet to win a single game against the Super Eagles after six attempts.
But Sylvanus Okpalla, one of coach Stephen Keshi’s assistants, insists that there will be no room for over-confidence.
“I know people are relieved that we got Liberia, but I can assure you that they will be no walk-overs,” he said. “For them to be in the past, means they deserve to be counted.
“These two games will be different from the last time we met. And we must play them with respect and treat them as equals.
“Our goal is to qualify for the Nations Cup, and everybody has to work hard and stay focused for us to do that.”
The first leg comes up on the weekend of 7-9 September and the second leg is on the weekend of 12-14 October.
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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