Sports
FIFA U-20 Women W/Cup: Falconets Advance After Draw With Mexico
Ebere Orji scored her first goal of the 2010 FIFA Under-20 World Cup as Nigeria drew 1-1 with Mexico to progress to the tournament’s knockout stages.
Nigeria, bursting with pace and enthusiasm, looked by far the better side as they hunted down the Mexicans at every turn, pressing them high and quick. But they failed to create openings, despite having more of the possession, and it took a corner kick for them to find the back of the net.
Nigeria scored twice in their last game from deliveries into the box and wary of that threat, Cecilia Santiago did well to turn Amarachi Okoronkwo’s shot out for a corner. Helen Ukaonu delivered the resulting set-piece, the goalkeeper flapped at it, Esther Sunday got the knockdown and Ebere Orji side-footed home.
Less than a minute later, Mexico had a chance to pull even; Stephany Majoy was left free in the box, but slipped with just the keeper in front of her.
And then Orji almost made it a second when her dipping cross from distance clipped the far post with the goalkeeper stranded.
Orji was taken off injured at halftime and Nigeria lost their rhythm, allowing Mexico a dangerous foothold into the game, and in the end, it told.
With Japan winning in the other group game, Mexico were headed out of the competition unless they found a goal. It duly came when Natalia Garcia’s header from a corner found Garciamendez. She controlled the ball with her chest and crashed a right-footed volley into the net from close range.
The goal totally changed the complexion of the group, with Mexico leapfrogging Nigeria into first place on goals scored, while Japan headed out.
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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