Sports
Fans Express Disappointment In Home-based Eagles
Home based Super Eagles led by ex-international, Daniel Amokachi last weekend failed to qualify for the second African Nations Championship slated for Sudan for the second time.
This followed the team’s goalless draw against the Mena of Niger at the Sanni Abacha Stadium, in Kano.
The Eagles needed to score three unreplied goals against Niger to qualify for the tournament afte losing the first leg encounter in Niamey 2:0.
Chibuzor Okoronkwo, had a golden opportunity of at least ensuring that Nigeria scored a goal, via the penalty spot but he missed it.
Not even the six minutes added time could make any difference, as the resolute visitors ensured their defence and goal were not breached.
It would be recalled that prior to Angola 2010 Nations Cup, erstwhile Super Eagles Coach Amodu Shaibu stated categorically that no home based player would make his squad, because they were not good enough. This statement raised dust from different quarters.
While, it seems Shaibu Amodu has been vindicated by the home based Eagles, fans are divided in their opinions concerning the statement accredited to former Eagles’ coach.
Wobo said, Nigeria has the potentials and quality players in the local league that can rule not only Africa, but the world. He went further to say that Heartland FC of Owerri reached last season CAF champion league. Kano Pillars and Bayelsa United both reached the semi-finals of CAF champions league and Confederation Cup respectively.
And about 90% of players in these clubs that achieved these facts are Nigerians that ply their trade in our league.
He believes that the Home based Eagles failed to qualify because they were hurriedly put together. There was no time for early preparation and blending of the players.
In his reaction, Onyekachi, a football fan, should accept the fact that our league is poorly organized, thus given rise to poor players. According to him, twice we have failed to qualify for the same tournament. It simply means that our home-based players are not good enough, he stated.
“I don’t even watch Nigerian League, because of the high rate of insecurity at the stadium, no live telecast of the matches etc. How would I know if we have the potentials or not? He queried.
However, some fans expressed utter disappointment over the outcome of theCHAN qualifier when they said, they were highly disappointed that a country whose league is rated as the best in Africa could not qualify for a tournament meant for players in African League.
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.