Sports
Golden Eaglets End Training In Qatar
The U-17 national team, Golden Eaglets yesterday arrived in Lagos after a three weeks training tour to Doha, Qatar.
This is contained in a statement signed by the team’s spokesperson, Morakinyo Abodunrin on Saturday in Abuja.
The team of 30 players and officials, the statement said would depart for Lagos aboard Qatar Airways.
“The Golden Eaglets are due back in Nigeria on Sunday after undergoing a training tour of the Aspire Academy for Sports Excellence in Doha, Qatar.
“A team of 30 players and officials including the Director, Technical of the Nigeria Football Association (NFA), Mr Emmanuel Ikpeme will depart for Lagos aboard Qatar Airways and will arrive Lagos about midday,’’ the statement said.
It added that the team would depart for Morroco later in the week to participate in the U-17 African Youth Championship (AYC).
The Golden Eaglets are preparing for the 2013 edition of the AYC billed for Morocco from April 13 to April 27.
During their stay in Doha, the Golden Eaglets won its two friendly matches by beating Aspire’s Under 18 team 7-1 and recorded a 1-0 win over former Asian Champions, Al Sadd Sports Club complete with former Spanish star, Raul Gonzalez.
The statement quoted the team’s head coach, Mr Manu Garba as commending the NFA for the opportunity given to the team.
“The tour of Doha is delightful and successful and now the team is battle-ready for the continental cadet competition.
“We are so grateful to the NFA for organising this training tour for us, coming here has given us the opportunity to prepare well for the forthcoming competition.
“We are focused on our objective to qualify for the FIFA Under-17 World Cup in UAE as African champions and we want to come back to Aspire to prepare for the World Cup.
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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