Sports
Libya’s Coach Talks Tough Against S’Eagles
Libya coach Adel Amrouche has said that he has ‘experience to play’ against Nigeria ahead of next month’s two-legged 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualification clash.
The Mediterranean Knights held South Africa to a 0-0 draw in Saturday’s encounter in Durban as they stayed put on the top of Group E after garnering four points from two games.
With the Super Eagles next up, the tactician is unmoved about the pedigree of the three-time African champions as he is confident that his side will silence Gernot Rohr’s side in October.
“Believe me I prefer to play Nigeria than South Africa because I have the experience to play against them.”
“South Africa is a fantastic team and have fantastic players and it’s not easy to play against them, Amroache told the media.
Amrouche courted controversy by claiming that Nigerian football believes in ‘juju’ and reckons South Africa are tougher opponents than the Super Eagles.
The result against South Africa left the Mediterranean Knights one point ahead of Nigeria, who claimed an easy 3-0 win away to bottom-of-the-log Seychelles the same day.
Libya and Nigeria will face each other in crunch back-to-back matches next month and Amrouche says his team is up for the challenge of facing Gernot Rohr’s Super Eagles.
“It is not easy to play Bafana Bafana, for me Nigeria… I’m ready for Nigeria. At home, if they want we play two times in Nigeria, we play two times in Nigeria.
“I know you believe on juju too much and we believe on God in the work. For the future we can plan, but it is not easy to play South Africa,” Amrouche continued.
The first Nigeria v Libya clash will see the Super Eagles play host on the midweek of 9-11 October, followed by the reverse game (which will be held outside of Libya due to continuing political instability) on the weekend of 12-14 October.
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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