Sports
AFCON: Nigeria Aim To Oust Defending Champions
Nigeria will aim to oust defending Africa Cup of Nations champions, Cameroon, when the teams meet in a round of 16 clash at the Alexandria Stadium tomorrow at 6.00pm.
Nigeria’s return to the AFCON (for the first time since 2013) has not been an impressive one thus far, as they managed only a second-place finish in Group B.
The Super Eagles opened with a stuttering 1-0 win over debutants Burundi, were little better in beating Guinea by the same score line, and then succumbed to a shock 2-0 loss against Madagascar in their final group game on Sunday.
This has resulted in a much tougher last 16 clash against a fellow heavyweight and Coach Gernot Rohr will be ruing his side’s inability to offer much of a threat in attack, something they will have to address if they are to have any chance of coming through this clash against a Cameroon team which has yet to concede a goal in the tournament.
However, Nigeria has a habit of rising to the occasion when the pressure is on and they will look to the likes of Ola Aina, Wilfred Ndidi and Odion Ighalo for inspiration.
Defending AFCON champions Cameroon have been defencively sound, but a lack of cutting edge from Eric-Maxim Choupo-Moting, Christian Bassogog and Karl-Toko Ekambi has undermined their campaign thus far.
Second place in Group F behind Ghana is no disgrace, but the Indomitable Lions will need to start roaring in the final third of the field if they are to live up to their moniker and keep alive their hopes of lifting the Nations Cup trophy again.
In head-to-head stats, Nigeria and Cameroon have met in 22 previous matches. The Super Eagles have claimed 11 wins compared to four for the Indomitable Lions, while seven games have been drawn.
The teams’ most recent meeting was a World Cup qualifier in Yaounde in September 2017 which ended in a 1-1 draw, with goals from Vincent Aboubakar and Moses Simon.
The winners of this match will advance to face either Egypt or South Africa in the quarterfinals on July 10 in Cairo.
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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