Sports
‘Super Eagles’ll Subdue Kenya In Nairobi’
Despite threats that the Super Eagles of Nigeria will see ‘hell’ when they visit Nairobi for the second leg of the Group F African qualifier for Brazil 2014 World Cup, the President of Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, Malam Aminu Maigari has declared that Nigeria will overcome Kenya in the return leg.
The Harambee Stars of Kenya were forced to a 1-1 draw by the Super Eagles in Calabar at the weekend and the Kenyans said they were robbed of victory by the amount of added time played by the referee.
But Maigari has said that the Kenyans would see the true Super Eagles when both teams clash again. He said that the Eagles were desperate to be at the 2014 World Cup and will go all out to redeem themselves in Nairobi.
According to him, the Super Eagles may have been weighed down by the celebrations of becoming African Champions in South Africa few weeks ago.
Besides, Kenya came to Calabar to frustrate Eagles with defensive game and would be under pressure to score when they host Nigeria.
One of Super Eagles coaches, Sylvanus Okpalla MON, on his part believed that the Eagles were over confident and apparently understated the Kenyans.
He however, said that the bottom line for the Eagles is to be in Brazil in 2014 and must ensure that they pick up the necessary points to ensure their qualification.
Meanwhile, Vice President of the Nigeria Football Association (NFA), Chief Mike Umeh, said yesterday that Super Eagles had chances of qualifying for the World Cup in spite of the home draw with Kenya.
Umeh told newsmen in Calabar that Nigeria was still topping its group and had chances of winning more matches.
He said the Eagles did not raise their game against Kenya and that made them to pay dearly for equalising in the last minute of the encounter.
Umeh urged the Eagles to be focused in the return match as they could win the match
‘’ It is okay. Football is not mathematics. When we go to Kenya too, they will be playing under pressure and we will take up the game.
‘’ There is no hell, I mean, it is eleven to eleven man’s game , so promising hell on earth , that is, we should write that one off, Nigeria is too matured for that kind of threat.
‘’ Well, we are still topping the table. We have five points now and we are still topping the table.
‘’ The implication is that we are still on top. All hopes are not lost. ’’
Umeh said he was optimistic that the Eagles would turn the table against the Kenyans in Nairobi despite the home draw.
He said the Kenyans would be playing under pressure at home and would be forced to open up, a situation, he said, would make the Eagles to also attack them.
The NFA vice president urged the Eagles to adopt same attitude and pattern they used during the nations cup for their remaining matches.
‘’ I believe that with the right attitude, we will win some matches. ’’
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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