Sports
Nigerians Hail Team, Call For Caution
As Nigeria Falconets secured one of the semi-final tickets of the on going under-20 female World Cup, in Germany yesterday after beating the defending champions USA on penalties, football analysts, coaches and football lovers have followed up with reaction on their prospects and performances in the competition.
In his reaction, former Sharks’ youth football team coach, Barnabas Chimezie, said the Nigeria female team have the potentials to lift the trophy.
According to him, the only problem facing the team is the difficulty in coverting scoring chances. He, however, noted that the problem had become a major issue to all our national teams.
“Yes, I believe strongly that our Falconets can lift the trophy, because they play quality football and have good control of the ball, but they must begin to convert clear scoring chances” Chimezie said.
He continued that the players also exhibit determination, commitment and fighting spirit, adding that any team that is committed would surely go far in any tournament.
Imama Amapakabo, the Chief Coach of Sharks FC, shared the same view with Chimezie, but added that the Falconets should take the semi-final game seriously because the team they are going to play (Colombia) is also a strong team.
Amapakabo warned that the Falconets should not be carried away or be over- welmed because they defeated the defending champions, USA.
“I am particularly happy that Falconets beat USA, that is my dream and prayers, but the players should concentrate on the semi-final match. They should not under-rate the Colombians, because they are also a very strong team”, Amapakabo said.
In his contributions, Jim Odede Opiki, the assistant secretary of Nigeria Union of Journalists, Rivers State Council, expressed optimism that the Falconets will lift the trophy.
He advised the players to be positive, because they have reached a stage where Nigerians are praying for them.
Opiki, further advised the Falconets to believe in themselves and not to be in a hurry in the match against Colombians.
“Falconets should understand that they have only one match to the finals, so they should not be over zealous and always listen to their coach’s instructions.
“Individual game and unnecessary show of skills cannot help the team”, he advised.
Tonye Orabere
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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