Sports
Nigeria Secures World Cup Ticket, Fans React
Nigeria Super Eagles last Saturday booked her ticket to feature in the world biggest football tournament in Russia next year, as they beat hard fighting and technically brilliant Zambians with a lone goal.
The encounter was one of the Group B World Cup qualifier games in the African continent played at Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
It was a barren draw in the first stanza of the game, but the visitors won ball possession in the half, in spite of the fact that the Eagles threw away pockets of goal scoring opportunities.
Substitute Alex Iwobi at the 74th minute gave Nigeria the desired World Cup slot through a brilliant display between Victor Moses and Shehu Abdullahi, before the ball saw the back of the net.
Reacting shortly after the match, a soccer entrepreneur, Elli Kechukwu said for the team to perform impressively at World Cup Eagles coach Gernot Rohr should select players that are really committed and determined.
According to him, Nigeria has not actually placed herself in terms of football in the world, adding that football administrators should organise structural programmes for football.
“I am very happy that we won and qualified for the World Cup for the sixth time. Honestly, initially I was not sure of our victory, but thank God that we finally won.
“The coach should look for committed players, like those that are prepared to sacrifice everything for the country,” Kechukwu said.
Sports presenter and analyst, Lashely Oladigbolu also expressed joy over the victory against Zambians, saying the Eagles’ unbeaten record in the World Cup qualification series is commendable.
“I must say that the Zambians performed impressively. They are hard fighting. Beating Algerians home and away is an indication that they are not a push over side. However, Nigeria had all it takes to grab the ticket from the group,” Oladigbolu said.
Tonye Orabere
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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