Sports
2019 AFCON: S’Eagles Need Prayers To Beat Tunisia – Okala
A former Green Eagles goalkeeper, Emmanuel Okala, on Tuesday in Enugu asked for prayers from Nigerians for the Super Eagles to beat Tunisia on Wednesday in Cairo.
Tidesports soure reports that the Super Eagles will face the Carthage Eagles in the third-place match of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Egypt.
Okala, who helped Nigeria to win their first AFCON title in 1980 AFCON Cup told newsmen that the team needed the support and prayers of Nigerians now more than before.
“From experience, third-place matches are the most difficult matches to play, since players are going into it with low morale after their defeat in the semi-finals.
“However, we are wishing them well and will continue to pray for their success in the match,’’ the former goalkeeper of Rangers International Football Club of Enugu said.
Arthur Ebunam, a former midfielder with Rangers International, also called on the Super Eagles’ handlers to replace the team’s current goalkeeper.
Ebunam, who also played for Mighty Jets FC of Jos and El-Kanemi Warriors FC of Maiduguri, noted that it would be difficult for the Eagles to win the match without a fresh goalkeeper.
“But we will continue to wish them well and urge all Nigerians to give them all the support necessary.
“The Super Eagles will continue to remain our national team,’’ he said.
Also, Ifeanyi Okonkwo, an ardent supporter of Rangers International said while the semi-final loss was painful he was full of belief that the team could still finish third.
Okonkwo urged the Eagles to put in their best and fight hard in the match.
“We hope and pray for a good result and a positive outcome in favour of the Super Eagles,’’ he said.
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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