Sports
2014 CHAN: Nigerians Optimistic Of Eagles Victory
Soccer pundits in Lagos
have expressed optimism that the home-based Super Eagles would emerge leader in Group A at the Championship of African Nations (CHAN), scheduled for January 2014 in South Africa.
The Eagles are expected to slug it out with hosts, South Africa, Mozambique and Mali, in the group.
The pundits said that the team had the pedigree and the technical capacity to withstand any opponent in the group.
A former Eagles’ coach, Paul Hamilton, said that he had confidence in both the home-based players and their technical crew that they would make the country proud.
“The home-based Eagles have the zeal and strength to do so. The team is now a force to be reckoned with in Africa.
“The team has been dominating when it comes to football and I know the teams in our group will be watching out for them,’’ Hamilton said.
The former coach, however, urged Coach Stephen Keshi to instil discipline and dedication in the boys and play each match with zeal and determination.
“The boys should be warned against underrating any of their opponents at the group stage,’’ Hamilton said.
A former coach of the Flying Eagles, Tunde Disu, said that Nigeria was already a threat to their rivals in the group because of the country’s pedigree.
Disu added that at the moment, Nigeria was playing the finest and best football in Africa, and that would make the paired countries to plot Nigeria’s downfall.
“South Africa will be Nigeria’s rival at the group stage because over time, they have always been competing with Nigeria and will want to be hard when they both meet.
“Even with that, I am sure Nigeria will top the table at the group stage because the players possess what it takes to take the lead,’’ he said.
Disu, however, urged Keshi to strengthen the squad before the competition, so that the country could come out victorious.
A former goalkeeper-trainer of the Eagles, Joe Erico, expressed his confidence in the home-based team, saying that they have so far proved to be good in their performance.
Erico said that there was no cause for fear on how the Eagles would perform at the championship.
“The players have been doing well in the ongoing Globacom Premier League and that shows that they are in form and up to the task.
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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