Sports
Uyo Fans Liken Eagles’ 2-0 Loss To Earthquake
Football fans in Uyo have described the Super Eagles’ 2-0 loss to Bafana Bafana of South Africa in the 2019 AFCON qualifier at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium as an earthquake.
Speaking with newsmen after watching the match on Saturday, the Secretary of Akwa Ibom Football Association, Joseph Eberefe, said that the loss struck him “like earthquake”.
“It is disappointing, we did not expect this, it is very frustrating.
“The absence of regular players like Victor Moses, Mikel Obi and the others were felt on the pitch,
“These ones have tried but they are not experienced as the usual Eagles players,” Eberefe said.
In his reaction, the Speaker of the Akwa Ibom House of Assembly, Onofiok Luke, said that he was short of words to describe the shock of the loss.
“I cannot comment, it is simply no comment from me,” Luke said.
Former Deputy Speaker, Akwa Ibom House of Assembly, Uwem Udoma, said that the Eagles’ performance disappointed the entire fans.
“We should always use the best; we should not use our second eleven and expect to win.
“This is a lesson for Nigeria to do enough to defend well and win its matches.
“Our goalkeeper is inexperienced, he left the goalpost and caused the second goal,” Udoma said.
He, however, said that football was a game and the fans enjoyed themselves during the match.
Another fan, Tom Odiong, said that the South African team was technically better than the Eagles players.
“We missed Victor Moses and Mikel Obi in the match, their experience matters,” Odiong said.
Tidesports source gathered that Bafana Bafana team scored in the 56th minute and 83rd minutes by Tokelo Rantie and Percy Tau respectively.
The South African second goal sent cold shivers on football fans while some of them left the stadium abruptly in frustration with sighing on their lips.
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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