Sports
ICC U-19 World Cup: Okpe Tips Nigeria Against West Indies
Despite losing by 10 wickets to Australia in the opening tie at the 2020 ICC U-19 World Cup, Captain of Nigeria, Sylvester Okpe admitted their flaws but assuring that they would raise their game when they take on West Indies tomorrow.
It was Nigeria that won the toss and elected to bat first. Miracle Ikaigbe and Runsewe Suleimon opened the bating for the team and very quickly Suleimon was out just after 2 balls. Nigeria was 12 runs for the loss of 3 wickets in 5 overs and after 10 overs were 28 runs for the loss of 3 wickets.
Wickets fell in quick successions and Nigeria could not muster a decent partnership and were bowled out for 61 runs in 30.3overs. Elijah Olaleye was the only spark in the Nigerian team with 21 runs off 53 balls.
India-born Tanveer Sangha was the star performer with the ball for Australia with an impressive statistics of 5 wickets for 14 runs in 10 overs with 4 maidens in the process.
In the second innings, Australia made light work of run chase racing to 50 runs in just 7 overs, Nigeria were not really impressive on the pitch either with dropped catches, miss-field and lost run out chances.
Australia finished the match with 10 wickets intact scoring 62 runs.
In his post-match interview, Okpe said the weather coupled with poor outing of the team cost them the tie. “I think the players were not comfortable with the weather but we take positive from the fact that the bowlers pulled well. I believe if we keep bowling to plan and target, we will do well in our next game. We also need to express ourselves by batting well. We hope that before the next game, we will get more practice and going into the game with a positive mindset,” Okpe 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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