Sports
Fans Hail S’Eagles, Urge Them To Lift Trophy
Football fans yesterday in Kaduna hailed Nigeria Super Eagles’ 2-1 victory over Bafana Bafana of South Africa in the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Egypt.
Tidesports source reports that Coach Gernot Rohr’s team defeated Stuart Baxter’s Bafana Bafana in the quarter-finals of the competition last Wednesday night, at the 75,000-capacity Cairo International Stadium.
The fans, in separate interviews with newsmen in Kaduna, expressed satisfaction with the Super Eagles’ performance, tipping the team to go all the way to win the tournament.
State Director of Sports, Ibrahim Yakubu, described the Eagles’ performance in the encounter as impressive.
Yakubu, however, advised the team to work harder to enable them to win the trophy.
“I am happy we made it to the semi-finals yesterday; I hope to see us playing in the final with another good display.
“I urge the team to work harder to lift the trophy for Nigerians, to further enhance unity in the country,” he advised.
Also, Sports analyst, Vincent Akinbami, described the players as more businesslike in the encounter, unlike in the last four matches.
“Their marking was compact in the first half; that helped us to go up front and create more chances,” he said.
Akinbami commended the players for their determination throughout the match, adding that they were getting better with every match.
Commenting, another Sports analyst, Jide Bodunde, congratulated the Super Eagles for a well-deserved victory.
While wishing the team well in their remaining matches in the tournament, Bodunde advised them to work harder to win the championship.
He said: “The semi-final will be tougher and more difficult because Algeria or CIV won’t sit deep like the South Africans.
“At this stage, anything can happen; but the Super Eagles are even closer to a podium finish.
“I wish the team nothing, but victory in the semi-final, but it’s certainly going to be a very long evening.”
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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