Sports
Nigeria Tops Shot On Target List
Nigeria’s highest record of 47 ‘shots on target’ tops the
list at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Azerbaijan 2012, while France is ranked
second with 38.
The Flamingoes achieved this remarkable feat in the group
stage of the competition en route the semi-finals where they are set to lock
horns with the French U-17 team on October 4.
The Flamingoes scored a total of 15 goals in three matches
to place second behind Japan’s 17.
The resourceful U-17 side was awarded 32 corners, which is
the highest compared to four for hosts Azerbaijan.
Nigeria is yet to earn yellow or red cards. Conversely,
Germany committed 47 fouls, the most by any team in the tournament; while Japan
has the fewest with 13 fouls.
The highest attendance record of 30,250 for the FIFA U-17
Women’s World Cup was set at the opening match on September 22.
However, an average attendance in the ongoing competition is
7,291 compared to 4,567 and 6,494 in previous editions.
Germany remains unbeaten in the first round of the FIFA U-17
Women’s World Cup.
Their record in the group stage now stands at seven
victories and two draws spanning three editions.
Japan is the only team in the competition’s history not to
have conceded a goal in the opening round.
In total the young Nadeshiko went 311 minutes without
conceding in a goal, 39 minutes short of the tournament record set by Korea DPR
in 2010.
The last player to score against the Japanese was Lee Sodam
for Korea Republic in 2010.
Ten different scorers have found the net for Japan with only
three matches into the competition, already equaling the tournament record set
by Japan themselves in the 2008 edition and by Korea Republic in 2010.
Brazil is the first team to reach the knockout stage of the
FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup with a negative goal difference, having scored five
and conceded eight.
A Seleção Brasileira also has the highest goals against
tally of any side to reach the quarter-finals, surpassing the previous highest
tally of five.
The two goals netted by Yamila Badell were Uruguay’s first
in the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
Ghana has improved on their previous FIFA U-17 Women’s World
Cup campaigns, firstly by winning two successive matches and secondly by
reaching the quarter-finals.
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.