Sports
‘Falcons Will Be Ready For World’
Nigeria Football
Federation’s director of competition, Sanusi Mohammed has said that the nation’s football body will ensure the Super Falcons get quality preparation for the 2015 Fifa Women’s World Cup in Canada.
Super Falcons have been drawn alongside former champions USA, Sweden and Australia for the world football showpiece which holds between June 5 – July 6.
Before the World Cup finals, the reigning African queens will participate in qualifiers for the 2015 All African Games as well as the Rio 2016 Olympics billed for March and May respectively.
Mohammed acknowledged the NFF has received coach Edwin Okon’s list of invited players and programmes, but blamed team’s tight schedules on delayed plans of a training tour to Europe.
“The coach (Edwin Okon) has actually submitted his list of players to invite to camp and a date has been agreed for the to resume camp,” Mohammed statedl.
“I cannot tell you now because I can’t remember the actual date now, but I know that its this month (February). They (Falcons) are so choked up with so many qualifiers before the World Cup.
“We are trying to see if we can bring back their last qualifier so that they can have enough time to go for a training tour before the World Cup.
“But the way it is now, its difficult because their last qualifier match will be on May 31 and first World Cup match will be on June 6, you can see there is no time.
“We are making efforts seriously, if we be able to bring the last game back, then we can be able to travel and camp them for the period of 10 days – two weeks.
“NFF is working assiduously to make sure the team is well prepared for the World Cup, but you don’t just jump into preparations until without taking other matters involving the team into consideration,” he concluded.
Edwin Okon’s ladies will begin their campaign at the 7th Fifa Women’s World Cup against Sweden on June 8 in Winnipeg.
Volleyballers showing off their skills in a national competition
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.