Sports
ACL: Enyimba Feels Weight Of Nigerians’ Expectation
Enyimba International FC’s Manager, Usman Abdallah, has said that the club is feeling the weight of expectation as Nigeria’s sole remaining representatives in the CAF Champions League.
The People’s Elephant secured progression into the first round of the top-tier continental tournament thanks to a 5-1 aggregate victory over Burkina Faso’s Rahimo in the preliminary phase.
This was in contrast to the other Nigerian club, Kano Pillars which entered in the Champions League for 2019/20. Masu Gida had the misfortune of succumbing 4-3 on aggregate to Ghanaian side, Asante Kotoko.
As the only Nigerian side left in the competition, Enyimba knows that the eyes of the nation are upon them.
“We cannot say there is no pressure because it’s responsibility to have to do it for Nigeria,” Abdallah told newsmen.
“We have to do that and we have to meet the expectation and most of the time they are expecting us, we have to work hard to reach the target even though we are taking things one step at a time.”
Enyimba’s next challenge in the Champions League is to try and overcome Sudanese giants Al Hilal and claim a place in the group stage.
The Nigerian club will host the first leg in Aba next weekend, with the return game in Khartoum two weeks later.
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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