Sports
W/Cup Qualifier: Envoy Lauds Falconets’ Fighting Spirit
Nigeria‘s Consul General in South Africa, Godwin Adama at the weekend, commended the National U-20 female team, Falconets for beating their South Africa counterparts.
Nigeria beat South Africa, 2-0, in the final round, first leg of the U-20 Women‘s World Cup qualifier in Polokwane, Limpopo Province.
Rasheedat Ajibade, the Falconets top scorer in the qualifying series, scored the first goal on the half-hour mark while Anam Imo made it two for Nigeria six minutes later.
Adama who watched the match told newsmen on the telephone from Polokwane that the Falconets played well and deserved the victory.
“The Falconets showed character and zeal to carry the day. They played well and deserved the victory. They have made us proud and we are grateful.
“ I am impressed with the turn-out of Nigerians to the stadium. Their presence also made the difference and motivated the team,” he said.
Adama said that the Nigerian High Commissioner to South Africa, Amb. Musa Ahmed Ibeto would host the team in Pretoria before they leave for home.
“The victory has also helped to improve our rating here that we can do well in sports,” the envoy said.
Secretary, Nigerian Union, Limpopo Province chapter, Collins Mgbo, said that the Nigerian Community in the area was fully mobilised for the match.
“Nigerians resident in various cities in the province came out to support our girls. Even South Africans married to Nigerians wore the green-white-green to cheer the falconets.
“We will celebrate this victory because it means a lot for us,” he said.
Mgbo urged the team to finish the job in Nigeria and book the World Cup ticket.
The winner over two legs will represent Africa at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in France slated from August 7th to August 26th, 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.