Sports
2013 Qualifiers: Super Eagles, Eagles, Put Nigerians Into Celebration
It was celebration galore for
Nigerian
football fans on Saturday, especially, those at the U.J. Esuene Stadium,
Calabar as the Super Eagles Secured the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations’ ticket in
grand style.
The Coach Stephen Keshi led Super Eagles trounced the Lone
Star of Liberia 6-1 in the second leg final round of qualifier to book their
place in the continental championship, 8-3 aggregate.
Less than 24 hours later at the same venue, Golden Eaglets
of Nigeria took a giant step to qualifying for the African U-17 Youth
Championship with a comprehensive 3-0 victory over their Guinean counterparts
in the first leg final round qualifying match.
With the Eaglets victory, Nigeria is 90 minutes away from
confirming their place in Morocco.
On Saturday, the Super Eagles could not have given Nigeria
and Nigerians a better gift than the decisive way they dismantled the boastful
Liberians.
The Lone Star had sneaked into the country less than 48
hours to kick off and promised to overwhelm the Super Eagles.
However, less than a minute into the crucial game, Nigeria
was set on the path of victory when right back, Efe Ambrose jumped highest to
connect a header to Victor Moses’ lofty in-swinger for the first goal.
Though it was the Liberians who seemed to settle down
quicker, inspite of being behind, with good team play, Nigeria’s Ahmed Musa
made it 2-0 in the first half after connecting Emmanuel Emenike’s pass.
If the Lone Star played better in the first half, the Super
Eagles raised their quality in the second, starting the half like the first,
with an early goal by Victor Moses.
Afterwards, there were further goals from Mikel Obi, his
first for the Eagles, Moses, his second of the day and Super sub, Ikechukwu
Uche.
Liberia however, succeeded in denying Vincent Enyeama and
his defence a clean sheet when they scored a consolatory goal before Nigeria’s
sixth.
Before the match, most Nigerian fans and officials were
apprehensive of the eventual outcome, recalling how the team blew the ticket to
the last Nations Cup to Equatorial Guinea and Gaban.
But after the comprehensive victory, Nigerians were united
in celebration oblivious of the rain that marked the day.
Even the numerous sins of the Eagles, especially, Mikel,
were forgiven in the sea of emotions.
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.