Sports
AFCON: Eagles To Play Two More Friendlies
In the bid to return to the Africa Cup of Nations with a bang after missing the last two editions, the Super Eagles are billed to have two more international friendlies to play before they head out to Egypt for the 2019 AFCON, the Nigeria football Federation has declared.
While the Eagles’ first friendly this year has been confirmed for March 26 against Egypt in Asaba, the other two opponents being lined up for their final build-up to AFCON 2019 are yet to be named.
Officials at Nigeria Football Federation are awaiting the outcome of the AFCON 2019 draw ceremony at the end of March, to avoid lining up games against teams that might end up in their group at the four week, 24-nation championship in June/July.
NFF top shots at still relishing their ability to get a match at Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba against Egypt, who have won the Africa Cup of Nations title seven times and will now host AFCON 2019.
Confederation of African Football last Tuesday voted for Egypt, hosts of the 1959, 1986 and 2006 editions, to also receive the first ever 24-nation AFCON scheduled for 15th June to 13th July.
They will also test their might against the Eagles, who they stopped from going to AFCON 2015 but, like they did for last year’s FIFA World Cup in Russia; have a ticket to AFCON 2019 with a match to spare, following a 1-1 draw away to South Africa on 17th November 2018.
They take on Seychelles in a purely ceremonial session in Asaba on 22nd March to conclude the campaign, and NFF president, Amaju Pinnick says that will be used to kick start the Eagles’ preparation.
Pinnick added: “The match against Seychelles will serve as the beginning of our preparations for the AFCON.
“(It will) be followed four days later by a friendly against the Egyptian national team at the same venue.”
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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