Sports
Flying Eagles: Obuh Optimistic Despite Defeat
Flying Eagles coach, John Obuh has pledged that his team would live up to expectations at the 2013 AYC after the team lost 2-1 to Esperance in a warm-up match.
Obuh made the remarks in a statement signed by the team’s Media Officer, Samm Audu in Abuja.
The team had lost its first game to its Tunisian U20 counterparts 2-0 last Thursday.
“The result was again not what we expected, but the performance of the team has reassured us we will be the team to beat in Algeria.
“It was a good game but we have to work on our goal scoring ability, and I expect the players not to lose their composure even after the referee made some bad calls.
“All the same, I believe in this team, we have worked very hard, and we will continue to work even harder to ensure the best for Nigeria,” it said..
The statement noted that the Flying Eagles created the best chances in a goalless first half, and would again have to blame their finishing for not going ahead in this test game.
It said that Christian Pyabara had an effort blocked by goalkeeper Wassim Naouara from inside the box after 27 minutes and in the 35th minute.
It said that skipper Abduljaleel Ajagun failed to make the most of a free header right inside the box.
“The biggest chance of the first period fell to Pyabara, but he somehow shot over the bar after a great work from the left by Alhaji Gero.
“Esperance took the lead in the 50th minute after goalkeeper Jonah Usman failed to clear the ball and in the ensuing melee Lampjed Chehoudi fired home.’’
It added that the Tunisian champions doubled their advantage two minutes later when Kingsley Madu committed a foul inside the penalty box.
According to the statement, Nigeria’s midfielder Moses Orkuma was sent off for retaliation in the 59th minute.
However, substitute Umar Aminu pulled a goal back for the African youth champions in the 67th minute after a flowing team play.
It said that the Flying Eagles finished stronger as they continued to fight for the equaliser, but Esperance held out to barely shade a hard-fought encounter.
The Tide source reports that the Flying Eagles are slated to play two more friendly matches before hitting Algeria for the 2013 AYC in Algeria.
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.
-
Business1 day agoNERC Amends Order on Meter Tampering, Power Bypass For Discos
-
News1 day agoPolice Arrest Nigerian, Two Others For Kidnapping In Edo
-
Business1 day agoNigeria, AFC sign $1.3 billion deal to build alumina refinery
-
Rivers1 day agoKENPOLY Rector Promises To Prioritise Students’ Welfare
-
Rivers1 day agoDon, Stakeholders Urge Environmental Laws In N’Delta
-
News1 day agoNDLEA Arrests Ex-Councillor With 40kg Skunk, Recovers Drugs In Diapers
-
Business1 day agoNCDMB Signs Mgt Deal With Radisson, Edison…As Board’s 204 Rooms Hotel Open December 2026
-
Nation2 days agoPerm Sec Explains Success Of FGM Elimination Programme In Rivers