Sports
Nigerians Blame Ill-Luck For Eaglets Loss To Coted ‘Ivoire
Rivers State fans of the Nigerian Golden Eaglets have reacted to the Eaglets 1-0 defeat by the Young Elephants of Coted’Ivoire on Wednesday in the ongoing Under 17 African Youth Championship in Morocco.
Reacting in an interview with The Tidesports in Port Harcourt yesterday, Coach Simeon Ojoko said he is optimistic that the Eaglets would qualify from group B of the championship inspite of the loss to the Young Elephants.
He attributed the defeat to ill-luck, stressing that the Eaglets were in total control of the match hoping that they would improve in their subsequent matches.
“I know that the Eaglets will qualify, because they have skills and technical know how of the game” he said.
The coach, further advised the players to take all matches serious because in football there are no more under dogs.
Jim Odede-Opiki, a sports analyst, in his opinion, suggested that the technical crew should talk to the players and work on their psychology, asking them to improve their game in next outing with Congo.
“As for me, is good they lost at this early stage, so that they will learn lesson”.
According to him, the Congolese players did not do anything at stake as it is, adding that a draw will quality to the next stage.
“I believe that Eaglets will qualify, but they should take their game serious because anything can happen in the game of football”.
Bassey John, a grassroots coach expressed sadness over the defeat, saying that Nigerians like putting themselve into tight corner.
He noted that the players did not take the game serious and they underrated their opponents.
“I still have the believe and hopes that Eaglets will qualify for the next round, but they should not left any stone unturn against Congo.
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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