Sports
Int’l Friendly: S’Eagles Plot Cranes’ Demolition In Uyo
A basketball action between Nigeria’s male team and their women counterparts in a previous contienental tourney.
Nigeria’s senior national team, the Super Eagles will today in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State begin a rebuilding process towards ensuring qualification for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nation and 2018 World Cup, as they confront the Cranes of Uganda in an international friendly game.
Returning to the venue of their massive disappointment last time out, when they failed to beat South Africa and qualify for the recent 2015 Africa Cup of Nations, the Super Eagles will be hard pressed to impress
Apart from the need to return to winning ways today’s friendly, one of the two for this month’s FIFA window will afford many returnee and new players in the Eagles the opportunity to show what they can do and convince the national team handlers of their relevance as the team seeks to turn a new page.
Already, the Ugandans despite leading on head –to-head contest, having won three to Nigeria two of the previous six meeting between the sides, see themselves as the underdogs. According to their coach Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic, this game will test our character because the Super Eagles are a high profile team and facing them at home even makes it the best stage for my players. This friendly will help us test so many things ahead of the 2017 AFCON and 2018 World Cup qualifiers
Thus, the Super Eagles must, apart from trying to improve their records against the Cranes, go to show hunger and ability to reclaim their pride of place in African football.
Meanwhile, skipper Vincent Enyeama is set to win his 100th cap in the game if fielded. The Lille of France safest hands has been regular between the stacks and the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF recently confirmed that the keeper is on 99 caps and would reach the century milestone today.
Conven intly, the fixture will take place in Enyeama home state of Akwa Ibom and he would not wish better than to cap the milestone with victory. It will e recalled that Uganda took the place of Bolivia for the friendly after the South Americans withdrew, citing safety concerns.
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.
-
Business4 days agoNCDMB Signs Mgt Deal With Radisson, Edison…As Board’s 204 Rooms Hotel Open December 2026
-
Business4 days agoNERC Amends Order on Meter Tampering, Power Bypass For Discos
-
Business4 days agoNigeria, AFC sign $1.3 billion deal to build alumina refinery
-
Rivers4 days agoKENPOLY Rector Promises To Prioritise Students’ Welfare
-
Business4 days agoFG engages foreign investors at PEBEC Roundtable on business environment reforms
-
Sports4 days agoYenagoa City Set For Maiden 10km Marathon
-
Sports4 days agoInter House Sports Is Where Talents Are Discovered -Rear Admiral Okehie
-
Sports5 days agoBeyond Limits Intensify NPFL Return