Sports
W/Cup Qualifier: Supporters Club Drums Support For Falconets
The Nigeria Football Supporters Club, South Africa chapter says it is mobilising massive support for the National U-20 female football team, the Falconets, ahead of their match against South Africa.
South Africa will host Nigeria in the final round, first leg of the U-20 Women‘s World Cup qualifier in Polokwane on Jan.13.
The chairman of the club, Osita Okeke, told newsmen in Lagos last Tuesday that members had commenced series of contacts to ensure full support for the Falconets.
“South Africans take every match against Nigeria very serious and this encounter will not be an exception.
“The supporters club in South Africa is aware of what is at stake. We are mobilising massive support for our team to win the match,” he said.
Okeke said that though the match would be tough, he was optimistic that Nigeria would win.
“We encourage the girls to be strong and courageous. It will be a tough encounter. The girls should play their game.
“There is nothing to fear. Nigerians in South Africa are solidly behind them,” he said.
The chairman said though he was in Nigeria, members were working on necessary logistics to watch the match in Polokwane this weekend (tomorrow).
The eventual winner over two legs will represent Africa at the Fifa U20 Women’s World Cup in France slated from August 5 to August 24, 2018.
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.
-
News5 days agoDon Savours Inaugural Lecture Presentation, Commends VC
-
News15 hours agoPolice Arrest Nigerian, Two Others For Kidnapping In Edo
-
Nation17 hours agoPerm Sec Explains Success Of FGM Elimination Programme In Rivers
-
Business5 hours agoNigeria, AFC sign $1.3 billion deal to build alumina refinery
-
News15 hours agoNDLEA Arrests Ex-Councillor With 40kg Skunk, Recovers Drugs In Diapers
-
Rivers4 hours agoLGSC Boss Commits To Better Service Delivery
-
News15 hours agoArmy Foils Cattle Rustling, Kills Terrorists In Benue …Rescues Two Kidnapped Bank Staff
-
Nation16 hours agoOgoni Mangrove Wetlands Gain International Recognition As Ramsar Site