Sports
Flying Eagles Off To Winning Start
Nigeria U20 team, the
Flying Eagles, beat Sia-One Academy 4-1 to get off to a bright start in their build-up for next month’s U20 AFCON qualifiers against Burundi.
Victor Osimhen opened the floodgate of goals in an exciting match.
A well –worked move which started from the right wing found team captain Kelechi Nwakali who sent a through ball to an unmarked Victor Osimhen to slot home beautifully from close range in the 10th minute.
That goal brought out the best from the Sia-One boys as they began to dictate the pace in the middle of the park forcing the Flying Eagles to retreat.
A reckless tackle by the Sia-One defence -line resulted in a penalty that was converted by Kelechi Nwakali in the 45th minute to make it 2-0 in favour of the Nigeria U-20 at the end of the first half.
The second half saw the introduction of six new players by coach Emmanuel Amuneke.
Winger Orji Okonkwo was a constant threat from the wing for the Flying Eagles and in one of his dazzling runs down the flanks, he let loose a shot that was deflected into the net by a Sia-One defender for the third goal of the match.
Sia-One Academy however pulled one back in the 74thminute through striker Victor Sunday who had a really good game in attack alongside enterprising midfielder, Gary Aondofa.
The fourth goal was also an own goal, but this time it took the brilliance of Victor Osimhen to force a sliding tackle that saw the ball sail into the net to make it a convincing 4-1 victory for the Flying Eagles.
Saturday’s friendly was the first of a series of friendly games lined up by Amuneke to prepare his team ahead of the two–legged fixture with the Burundians.
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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