Sports
Flying Eagles Target Better Outing At WYC
Flying Eagles striker, Umar Aminu has said that although the team came third at the African Youth Championship (AYC), “I believe we will do better at the World Cup in Turkey”.
Aminu said this in a statement issued by the Flying Eagles Media Officer, Samm Audu, in Abuja.
He stated: “I will take it that we were destined to finish third in Algeria, even when we ought to have been crowned champions.
“I believe we will do better at the World Cup in Turkey than what we did at the AYC, because I believe we will get to the final and go on to win the World Cup for the first time”.
The highest goal scorer at the AYC said his target was to finish as top scorer at the World Cup.
He added that the AYC was his first international outing and that he never expected any award, noting, however, that he would have done better, but for his inexperience and an injury which affected him.
“To be honest with you, I did not expect it, but I’m very happy that I received the award of the highest goal scorer at the AYC, even when it was my first international outing.
“The award is a massive boost to the entire team because I could not have won it without the support of my teammates and coaches.
“I should have scored a few more goals, but probably inexperience made me not to.
“Also, I wasn’t fully fit for the tournament as I had problems with both my ankles and I believe if I was fully fit, I would have done a lot more”.
Aminu said he would put in his best at the World Cup and wished to play for the Super Eagles in the future.
“I wish to continue to move up in my career, get to play for the Super Eagles and become the African Footballer of the Year, like Rashidi Yekini, Kanu Nwankwo and Emmanuel Emenike”.
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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