Sports
U-20: Rep Wants Eaglets To Fight For Shirts
The Golden Eaglets
should not be given “automatic promotion” to the Flying Eagles just because they won the world cup, a member of the House of Representatives has said.
The Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Sports, Mr Godfrey Gaiya, told newsmen in Abuja that the U-17 players should fight for shirts to make it to the U-20 national team.
“Football is about competition; today’s player may not be there tomorrow, and I believe in merit.
“I do not believe that success is that because you won U-17 (World Cup) you must be guided to become a Super Eagles player.
“You must justify whatever calling that is coming to you; so for me, there are 160 million Nigerians; everyone is looking for a chance to excel.
“Give other people a chance; if you cannot keep your position, for God’s sake go; somebody else will come.
“So, I do not succumb to the thinking that you must pamper them, shield them, isolate them and promote them; I do not think so.
“They must go and compete and get a club; we monitor them in their various clubs.
“If they still continue to play at the level they were playing before they were invited to the U-17 team, we will bring them to the U-20 team.
“I do not believe in automatic promotion for the sake of it.“
Gaiya said the money given to the Golden Eaglets was neither too much nor too small, adding that it was given to them to enable them to “wash” their jerseys.
He advised the victorious Golden Eaglets to remain humble and aim for higher glory.
“We wish them well and urge them to remain calm and humble because they still have a long way to go and they should not see this as the end but the starting point.
“They should focus on the task ahead and must achieve their full potentials.
“I was happy with Mr President for the token he gave them. For me, the amount of N2 million is very good judgment because the boys have parents.
“They left whatever they were doing for the months they were away; and after succeeding they are going home with N2 million.
“I do not see it as too much and I do not see it as too little,” he said.
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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