Sports
2017 AFCON: Spate Of Draws, Low Scorelines Worries Fans
Soccer fans in Ebonyi have expressed worry over the spate of draws and low scorelines recorded at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Gabon.
Tidesports gathered that after 10 matches so far in the competition, only four wins have been recorded through Cameroon, Senegal, DR Congo and Ghana.
Six draws have also been recorded in the five day-old competition as no match has been concluded with more than a 2-0 scoreline.
Some fans who spoke to newsmen yesterday in Abakaliki expressed regret that the competition was turning into a defensive-minded one which negates the tenets of attacking football.
Chinedu Chukwugbo, a former Golden Eaglets goalkeeper, said that the development painted a poor image of African football.
“An overview of the matches show that the teams are more concerned to get results which make them employ cautious tactics not to concede goals.
“It seems their priority is not to get eliminated and not to be adventurous to score but most of them in tight corners currently have realised that only goals can bail them,’’ he said.
Jacob Udude, a South African-based Football Agent, blamed the development on poor technical abilities of African players and tactical deficiency of the coaches.
“Most of the foreign-based players on parade don’t feature for big clubs in Europe where they are exposed to modern intricacies involved in goal-scoring.
“The few ones such as Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang of Gabon, Sadio Mane of Senegal among others don’t receive the sort of attacking support obtainable in their clubs from their less-fancied national team compatriots,’’ he said.
Chika Nwangele, Ebonyi United FC of Abakaliki Skipper, noted that the situation affected the competition’s standard and renewed calls for its review.
“It is time CAF reviews the period of organising the competition and consider extending it from two to three or four years’ interval such as the UEFA and COPA America competitions.
“This will enable the teams to prepare adequately, eliminate undue club engagement pressure on the players and arouse the desired hunger in all participants to organise and excel at the competition,’’ he said.
A Teacher and soccer enthusiast, Mrs Eunice Ibe, however, noted that it was too early to make conclusions on the competition as it was still in its “early days’’.
“The competition as was the case in the past, may increase in tempo from the quarter-finals and improve in all areas of lapses.
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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