Sports
Use WAFU Cup Victory To Reposition Nigerian Football – Daniel
Gov Gbenga Daniel of Ogun State has urged Nigerian football administrators to use the home-based Super Eagles’ triumph at the WAFU Nations Cup to reposition the game in the country.
In a congratulatory message to the Eagles, Daniel said it was important for the country to have a solid home-based national team, which could be fortified from time to time with foreign-based players.
“This will enable Nigeria to fully regain its dominance at the senior national level,’’ he said.
The Nigerian team on Sunday in Abeokuta won the WAFU cup with a 2-0 defeat of Senegal in the final match.
Daniel said the Eagles, led by Solomon Okpako, deserved commendation for winning the trophy.
“The Eagles, in spite of the formidable opposition, showed resilience and gave everything in their quest for glory.
“They should be celebrated because the victory came as a soothing balm for the country in this challenging time.
“The time has come for the country’s sports administrators, particularly the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), to put in place a standing home-based Super Eagles team.
“This will help us to have a ready squad to represent the country at all times,” the governor said in the message, a copy of which was made available to our source in Abeokuta.
He further said that the main Super Eagles team should see the victory of their compatriots in the WAFU Nations Cup as an inspiration for a better performance in the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
“They (Super Eagles Team A) must go there to defend the honour of Nigeria and show the same fighting sprit displayed by the home-based Super Eagles during the WAFU Nations Cup,” Daniel 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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