Sports
2015 AFCON: Danger Looms For Nigeria After Loss In Sudan
Nigeria’s chances of qualifying
for next year’s AFCON in Morocco suffered a major setback last Saturday when they fell 1-0 in Sudan.
This was a must-win for the African champions, but they did not create any clear-cut openings, while their hosts delivered the killer punch after 41 minutes through Bakri Abdulqadir to record a very famous victory.
The unmarked Al Hilal striker’s powerful header from inside the box completely beat goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama for the match winner.
This was only Sudan’s second victory over the more illustrious Nigeria in a dozen meetings.
South Africa is now top of Group A after a sparkling 2-0 win in Congo earlier on Saturday, while Sudan leapfrogged Nigeria into third place with their first win of the qualifying series.
Nigeria will now hope to turn the table against Sudan when they host them on Wednesday in Abuja.
Mathematically, The Eagles could still advance to the 2014 Nations Cup were they to win their remaining three matches, at home to Sudan and South Africa and away to Congo.
The signals were worrying from the onset as Sudan quickly settled into the rhythm on the artificial pitch at the sell-out Khartoum Stadium, while Nigeria tried to get going with the long ball.
The Eagles lacked ideas especially in the final third and must be bitterly disappointed that they hardly troubled a well organised Sudan defence for most of this encounter.
Ironically, the first main chance fell in the 11th minute to Nosa Igiebor, who fired from outside the box but his shot crashed against the base of the post to the relief of the home team.
Sudan, on the other hand, preferred the short, simple passes as they very much looked like they have mastered the pitch.
Emenike was denied a goal by the Sudan goalkeeper and skipper Moez Mahjoub immediately after the restart of the second half.
He will also see his tame effort cuddled by the Al Hilal goalkeeper in the 58th minute.
Kenneth Omeruo was lucky not to be sent off by the Zambian referee after 65 minutes when he clearly elbowed goal scorer Abdulqadri on his way to goal.
In the 87th minute, Mikel thought he had drawn Nigeria level but he had scored from an offside position.
Super Eagles’ Efe Ambrose
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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