Sports
Women’s W/Cup: Falcons Open On Losing Not0065 …Go Down To France 1-0
Nigeria’s 12-year winless streak at the FIFA Women’s World Cup continued on Sunday as the Super Falcons fell 1-0 to France in the first match of the tournament.
Marie-Laure Delie poked home from close range after 56 minutes as the French held on to claim the win.
Perpetua Nkwocha, Ebere Orji and Desire Oparanozie all had chances for Nigeria but failed to take them.
Buoyed by the introduction of German assistant coach Thomas Oblias to the coaching staff, the Falcons looked more composed than usual in their defensive organisation. But the price they paid for that was sacrificng their counter-attacking verve.
Uche Eucharia’s two-strong midfield was overrun for large parts of the game, leaving the dangerous Perpetua Nkwocha isolated and with no supply.
The first chance though, did fall to her when she was played in by Gloria Iroka. Nkwocha zipped off down the right channel, but took on one player too many before being forced off the ball.
France’s response was a stunning effort from range, which produced a magical save from Nigeria captain Precious Dede. From the corner kick, Thinney struck the post as Nigeria reeled.
But the best chance of the half by far, fell to Ugochi Oparanozie. Iroka won the ball in transition, and played her in behind on a rapier-quick counter. Her pacegot her on a one-on-one with the goalkeeper, but she dragged her purchase well wide when through on goal.
The Nigerian girls were hamstrung further when Faith Ikidi, who had her hands full dealing with Louisa ‘Zidane’ Necib and Sonia Bompastor on the left side, was forced off with what appeared to be stomach trouble just before half time.
The loss was immediate as the second period resumed, although Nigeria threatened first. Mbachu delivered a loping cross, goalkeeper Berangere Sapowicz flapped and Wendie Renard was just on hand to head the ball clear of the lurking Ebere Orji.
And then came the breakthrough. France attacked again down the right channel, Necib delivered a superb ball into the middle, Osinachi Ohale hacked at thin air, and Delie put the ball away.
The French tired towards the end, but Nigeria failed to respond with a change in tactics, and Nigeria continue to wait to snap that losing streak since Mercy Akide’s winner earned them victory over Denmark in 1999.
Moments later, hosts Germany got off to a winning start with a 2-1 victory over Canada. They now lead Group A after the first round of matches.
Nigeria will now hope to claw results against Germany and then Canada to stay in the competition.
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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