Sports
U-20 AFCON: Nigeria Wallops Mauritania 5-0
The Flying Eagles at the weekend affirmed their superiority over their Mauritanian counterparts by defeating them 5-0 to qualify 6-1 aggregate for the 2019 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The Tidesports source gathered that in the match played at the Agege Stadium in Lagos, Nigeria was emphatic in qualifying as they completely overwhelmed their opponents.
Nigeria was quick to take off from where they stopped a week ago in the first leg match of the fixture in Nouakchott which ended in a 1-1 draw.
Wasiu Alalade put them in front with a well-taken shot in the 15th minute and, after a flurry of missed chances, the national under-20 male football side doubled their lead.
This was through Nafizi Yahaya in the 33rd minute, who went on to complete his brace with a cool finish after being one-on-one with the visiting goalkeeper in first half added time.
Aniekeme Okon scored the fourth goal in the 67th minute while the fifth goal came in the 90th minute through Afeez Aremu.
Ikouwem Udoh, Flying Eagles captain, later attributed the victory to hardwork and the belief he and his teammates had in themselves that they could do the job.
“I thank God for the victory and I also thank my teammates for working hard and believing in our strength.
“We told ourselves today that, above all things, we must win and send the Mauritanians out of the competition. Thank God we were able to achieve that,” he said.
Tidesports source also reports that Mauritania’s Junior Mourabitounes had in the qualifiers’ earlier rounds dismissed Guinea and Morocco, and the Flying Eagles now head to Niger Republic for the U-20 AFCON.
The final competition is scheduled for February 2 to February 17.
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.
-
Business3 days agoNERC Amends Order on Meter Tampering, Power Bypass For Discos
-
Business3 days agoNCDMB Signs Mgt Deal With Radisson, Edison…As Board’s 204 Rooms Hotel Open December 2026
-
Rivers3 days agoKENPOLY Rector Promises To Prioritise Students’ Welfare
-
Business3 days agoNigeria, AFC sign $1.3 billion deal to build alumina refinery
-
News3 days agoPolice Arrest Nigerian, Two Others For Kidnapping In Edo
-
Rivers3 days agoDon, Stakeholders Urge Environmental Laws In N’Delta
-
Rivers3 days agoADIAFRICA Flags-off Free Eye Screening Outreach In PH
-
Environment3 days agoIWD: NGO promotes clean energy access for women in Kaduna