Sports
Nigeria Qualifies For 2013 U-20 World Cup
Nigeria last Saturday qualified for the 2013 U-20 World Cup in Turkey after beating DR Congo 3-1 in a final group game at Oran, an official has said.
A statement issued by the team Media Officer, Sam Audu, in Abuja, said that the defending champions thus finished second in Group ‘B’ on six points.
Mali, who surprisingly lost 2-0 to Gabon, finished top by virtue of a better head-to-head record as they also recorded six points.
It said the defending champions will now face Egypt on Tuesday in one of the semi-finals, while Mali battle Ghana for the right to play in the championship game at the weekend.
Flying Eagles coach John Obuh said: “The most important thing was for us to qualify for the World Cup and we have done that.
“And now that we have done that, we can look forward to our next game with a lot of confidence.”
The statement said both Nigeria and DRC started out brightly on Saturday at the Ahmed Zabana Stadium, but like it was in previous group games, the Flying Eagles carved out clear-cut openings.
Umar Aminu, who replaced the suspended Olanrewaju Kayode, came close after 10 minutes with an angled shot which did not miss by much.
On 22 minutes, goal-bound Edafe Egbedi was upended inside the DRC vital area, but his appeal for a penalty was overlooked by the referee from Rwanda.
Three minutes later, skipper Abduljaleel Ajagun scoffed his shot when well inside the box.
The Nigerians were finally rewarded for their attacking play in the 32nd minutes when Egbedi was brought down again on his way to goal.
Ajagun stepped up to tuck the ball past goalkeeper Landu Bakala.
It said the Flying Eagles doubled their lead on 39 minutes when Aminu finished off another build-up with a simple tap in from inside the box.
Aminu got his brace two minutes after the break when he chipped beyond the DRC goalkeeper.
Ajagun then had his effort ruled for offside in the 53rd minute. But to the credit of the DRC, they did not surrender and their persistence finally paid off in the 72nd minute when Mukanisa Pembele smashed home from inside the box.
Substitute Uche Agbo saw his powerful shot scrambled for a corner by the goalkeeper two minutes from the end.
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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