Sports
Int’l Youth Cup: Erico Blames Poor Planning For Team’s Loss
Joe Erico, Coach of Lagos United FC has blamed lack of long-term planning for his team’s 1-7 loss to SuperSports United of South Africa at the ongoing Lagos International Youth Cup.
Erico told newsmen after the match played at the Teslim Balogun Stadium over the weekend that the South Africans had long-term planning and a well-established football culture.
He admitted that the team did not prepare adequately for the competition.
Erico said that he decided to accept the job based on the State Government’s plan to have a structure for youth soccer development.
“Gov. Babatunde Fashola personally approached me for the job and assured me that there will be a structure for youth football development; that informed my decision to accept the job.
“Although we had bad results from our matches, the idea is not to win at all cost that was why we parade truly U-17 players.
“After this championship we will go ahead to build the team, age is certainly on their side, they are players for the future,’’ he said.
He added that the players would have a better exposure than before the championship.
“They have not lost all, they will become better players at the end of the championship in terms of exposure to international competition.
“ They will also have team work, team spirit, attitude for winning fairly and sportsmanship in defeat,’’ Erico said.
Coach Kaitano Tembo of SuperSports said the result at this stage of the players’ carrier should not be over-emphasised.
“We didn’t come here to be winning, we are here to give the players the needed exposure.
“But good enough they are playing well and winning. The team has been together for long, graduated from the U-15 to U -17, that is the progression we have,’’ Tembo 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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