Sports
Super Eagles Rank 30th In World Football
Reigning African Champions, the Super Eagles, were yesterday rated the 30th best team in the world in the January FIFA World rankings.
Nigeria moved up 22 places from its 52nd position last December to occupy the 30th position.
In Africa, the Super Eagles moved up to the fourth spot from its former ninth position.
The improvement might have been as a result of the team’s impressive performance at the recently concluded Africa Cup of Nations tournament in South Africa, where they won the trophy.
Cote d’Ivoire maintained its position as Africa’s first placed team but moved up two places from 14 to 12 in the world.
Ghana and Mali occupied the second and third spots in Africa with both placed on 19th and 25th positions in the world, respectively.
Meanwhile, former Super Eagles defender, Taribo West has expressed satisfaction with the ranking, saying it was a stepping stone for the team.
West said that the victory in South Africa added value to the team, adding that it would motivate Coach Stephen Keshi and the team to work harder.
“I am satisfied with the ranking, it is a stepping stone for the team and it will motivate both Keshi and the team to work harder,” he said.
A former Eagles Coach, Christian Chukwu, in his reaction said he was happy about the development and Nigeria becoming Africa’s number one again.
“I am happy with the development; this is how important being successful can be to a country.
“They must keep working hard to get to the top because being Africa’s number one team is a gradual process,” Chukwu said.
A former Eagles midfielder Friday Ekpo, said the ranking was a morale booster, noting that it would build the team’s reputation and confidence.
“It’s a morale booster; it will make us improve and build on the team’s reputation and confidence as a force to reckon with.
“The likes of Spain who occupy the number one position in the world are a testimony of building young players which Keshi has adopted,” he said.
World Champions Spain, Germany and Argentina occupied the first, second and third spots, respectively while football powerhouse, Brazil, was ranked 18th.
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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