Sports
2014 AWC: Nigeria, Cameroon In Crunch Finals ’Morrow
Cameroon will meet Nige
ria in tomorrow’s final of the African Women’s Championship after both teams won their semi-finals by a 2-1 scoreline.
It also means the pair have qualified for next year’s Women’s World Cup in Canada.
Nigeria overcame South Africa in Wednesday’s earlier kick-off, with a first-half brace from Asisat Oshoala setting them on their way to victory.
Jane Refiloe reduced the deficit for the South Africans but the Super Falcons held on.
In the other semi-final, Cameroon needed extra-time to beat Ivory Coast and reach the final for the first time.
Captain Christine Manie hit the winner in the 118th minute, heading in from a corner.
Only twice since the first African Women’s Championship in 1991 have Nigeria failed to win the trophy. Equatorial Guinea are the only other winners – in 2008 and 2012
Gaelle Enganamouit had opened the scoring for Cameron on 60 minutes, only for Ines Tia to equalise from close range.
Cameroon’s success in reaching the Women’s World Cup for the first time can transform the game in the country, according to their coach.
Enoh Ngatchu told Tidesports source: “We have more girls playing soccer, we are better organised – with this qualification, many things will change.”
He said he hoped members of his squad would benefit financially from their success so far – with professional contracts potentially on offer to some of his stars.
“Nobody expected us to reach this level,” he added. And it is clear he believes the Super Falcons of Nigeria are the favourites for Saturday’s showpiece, even though Cameroon’s record in the women’s game is a strong one.
“They’re still the best – but we’ll do everything possible to make the game difficult [for them] and grab the trophy,” he declared.
For eight-time champions Nigeria, winning back the trophy is only part of the challenge.
They want to translate continental dominance into success on the global stage – and in young striker Oshoala they may have the talent to do just that.
She was the top scorer in the recent U20 Women’s World Cup, in which Nigeria were beaten finalists – and has been in good form at this tournament in Namibia.
“I was at the Nations Cup two years ago in Guinea – but I didn’t play,” she told the BBC.
“[The U20 World Cup] has really upped my game – I was able to try one or two things and it came out fine, so I’m very happy.”
With Africa having three places at the senior Women’s World Cup next year, South Africa and Ivory Coast, the beaten semi-finalists here, still have a chance of making it with victory in the third-place match.
Dolphins players outsnarting an opponent during a Glo league matchs recently
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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