Sports
Ex-Internationals Want Falconets Promoted
Former Nigeria internationals, Paul Hamilton and Joe Erico, have called for the promotion of Falconets to the senior female national team to ensure a good run for the country next year.
Germany, 2-0 winners over the Falconets in the U-20 championship final last Sunday, hosts the Women’s World Cup in 2011.
An early goal scored by tournament’s top scorer, 10-goal heroine, Alexandra Popp and an added time own goal earned the German hosts the trophy.
They also became the first host to clinch the trophy since the inaugural tournament in 2002 in Canada.
Hamilton, who led Nigeria’s Super Falcons to the maiden female World Cup in China in 1991, expressed satisfaction with the performance of the team throughout the championship.
“The Falconets’ feat in this tournament as the first African country to play in the final of any female World Cup gladdens my heart.
“The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) should ensure that the team is intact for Nigeria to do well at the forthcoming senior female world championship in Germany in 2011.
“The emphasis for now should be on continuity. The players should be kept together to mature to the senior national team,” the former Green Eagles coach said.
Hamilton, fondly called the ‘Wonder Boy’ in his playing days, called for better organised and improved funding for the female league in Nigeria if the country must surpass the achievement of the Falconets.
“We have abundant female football talents in this country. But a lot still need to be done in the area of administration.
“More international friendly matches should be arranged for the female teams to provide them with the much needed exposure,” he added.
Erico, former Super Eagles goalkeeper trainer, said the Falconets gave a good account of themselves in Germany.
“I am impressed with their style of football. They should be allowed to graduate to the senior national team,” Erico said.
He, however, called on government, corporate organisations and wealthy individuals to sponsor the girls’ education.
“These are young girls who should be in school like their German counterparts.
The emphasis should be on the education of the players, not monetary donation alone,’’ said the former national goalkeeper.
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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