Sports
S’Falcons’ Striker Rues 8-0 Friendly Loss To France
Nigeria striker Desire Oparanozie has said that a lack of “adequate preparation” was to blame for their 8-0 drubbing by France in a women’s friendly international in Le Mans last Friday night.
Valérie Gauvin’s hat-trick, plus goals from Eugénie Le Sommer, Gaetane Thiney, Aminata Diallo, Marie-Charlotte Léger and Faith Ikidi’s own goal resulted in Nigeria equalling their record defeats against Norway (1995) and Germany (2010).
It was a blow for Thomas Dennerby in his first real test as Nigeria coach.
The Super Falcons were playing their first match since winning an eighth Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title in December 2016.
“To be honest, I think we didn’t have adequate preparation going into this game, taking into consideration the fact that we were inactive for as long as we were, 16 months,” France-based Nigeria striker Desire Oparanozie told newsmen.
“We are the champions of Africa and we can all say it was rightly deserving. However, we can’t deny the fact that while we were out, our opposition have been busy getting stronger.
“They were definitely more prepared than we were. They began camping before us even though most of them are home based. The bulk of us came from outside France and had just one full day of training together before match day.
“I admit it might not be a good enough reason for the scoreline but France were bound to put in a better showing than us,” Oparanozie added.
Decimated by late withdrawals and without reigning African footballer of the year, Asisat Oshoala, Nigeria were forced to include five new players into the 18-team squad.
The French side, who beat the Black Queens of Ghana by the same scoreline last October, dominated play to prove that continental giants Nigeria are still way behind Europe’s best.
Despite the result, Oparanozie insisted there are some positives to take from their time in France.
“It’s been good here and I also have to note the introduction of some new young players into the squad for the very first time,” said Oparanozie of their training camp.
“They are definitely good additions and one thing is certain, as long as they continue to work hard they would only serve to make the team stronger.
“Importantly, the fact that this is our first training camp with the coach, we have started to get his idea of football and that’s a positive.”
As the players return to their different clubs, focus will switch to securing a qualifying spot at the 2018 Africa Women Cup of Nations in Ghana as they aim to retain their continental title.
This year’s Women’s Nations Cup will take on extra significance as it will also decide the continent’s teams for the 2019 Women’s World Cup – in what could be Nigeria’s eighth record appearance at the tournament.
Oparanozie welcomes the latest friendly against France but insists they need more games to progress.
“We deserve consistent engagements with Grade A opposition just as we hope to compete against them on the global stage.
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.