Sports
WYC: F’Eagles Rue Exit, Proud Of Performance
After beguiling everyone with their free-flowing attacking football in the group phase, so much so that many an expert tipped them to go all the way, the Nigeria squad were understandably forlorn as they contemplated their exit from the FIFA U-20 World Cup Colombia 2011 on Sunday evening.
The pain of their 3-2 extra-time quarter-final defeat to France was still etched on the players’ faces as they emerged from the bowels of the Estadio Pascual Guerrero in Cali, some 90 minutes after the final whistle had called time on their Colombian adventure.
Their compelling brand of football had not gone unappreciated, however, and as they filed out tournament volunteers and stadium officials lined up to give them a heartfelt round of applause, an indication of the high regard the locals have for the African entertainers.
“We love these people. We love Colombia,” said an appreciative Edafe Egbedi, one of the few members of the disconsolate Nigeria squad able to summon up the energy to speak in the wake of their untimely exit.
“We made a good impression here and this support reflects that,” he added, confirming the views expressed by coach John Obuh in the press conference that followed the game. “We played as a team throughout the competition and we stayed strong. We’re very pleased with the support that Colombia has given us and we feel right at home. They wanted us to win.”
Mixed in with the dejection is a sense of pride at Nigeria’s achievements at Colombia 2011. For the first time ever the Flying Eagles recorded four straight FIFA U-20 World Cup wins, scoring 15 goals in the process, thanks to a potent combination of searing pace, pure technique and ruthless finishing. Group opponents Croatia and Guatemala both fell to heavy defeats as the likes of Ahmed Musa, Olarenwaju Kayode and Egbedi served notice of their rich potential.
“It was a game we could have won,” the forward continued, ruing his side’s misfortune against Les Bleus. “Unfortunately for us, we weren’t on top of our game and we didn’t put France under the same pressure that we did other teams. We had high hopes but we left too much space and that’s why we’re sad. That’s football though.
“We showed we can go far if we work at it,” he added, taking the positive view. “Our dream was to win the title but I think we’ve learned a lot here, and the team will be more prepared by the time the next World Cup comes around.”
The diminutive striker can also be satisfied with his contribution to the Nigerian cause, building on his showing at the FIFA U-17 World Cup Nigeria 2009, where he scored three goals en route to the hosts’ defeat to Switzerland in the final. In striking a further three goals at Colombia 2011 he has joined a select band of players, one that includes Ronaldinho and Seydou Keita, who have found the back of the net in both competitions.
“I scored three goals at the U-17 World Cup and I remember telling myself that I was going to improve and score even more at the U-20 World Cup,” Egbedi said. “My dream was to score five or six here, and though things didn’t work out that way, I think my performances were pretty good overall.”
Those performances were made all the better by the fact the promising striker is currently without a club. Training alone or with his local side Warri Wolves, who have occasionally fielded him in friendly matches and are not reluctant to sign him, the 18-year-old Egbedi is content to bide his time, waiting for a foreign club to come in for him. Judging by his displays over the last fortnight or so, the offers should soon be coming thick and fast.
“That was my other dream: to play well enough to get spotted and earn a good move to Europe. And I showed that I can play for a big club there. I’m young and I’m only going to improve.”
Though Egbedi’s Colombian sojourn has been cut cruelly short, both he and his fellow Flying Eagles have every reason to believe their future will be a bright one.
The Nigerian, who arrived in China fresh from winning gold at the African Senior Athletics Championships in Ghana earlier on Wednesday, clocked a season’s best of 12.41s behind Olympic champion Masai Russell and Bahamian star Devynne Charlton.
Russell produced a dominant display to win the race in a meeting record and world-leading time of 12.25s, improving on her previous world lead of 12.40s.
Charlton, the reigning world indoor champion, finished second in 12.38s in one of her strongest outdoor performances to date.
Amusan, whose world record of 12.12s remains the fastest time ever run in the event, improved significantly from her previous season’s best of 12.84s set during her victorious outing at the African Championships in Accra.
The 29-year-old was competing in a stacked field that included reigning world champion Ditaji Kambundji of Switzerland, Jamaican pair Megan Simmonds and Ackera Nugent, China’s Wu Yanni and Americans Tonea Marshall and Danielle Williams.
Kambundji, who won the world title in Tokyo last year with a Swiss record 12.24s, finished fifth in 12.82s, while Jamaica’s Nugent placed sixth in 12.98s.
Marshall and Williams failed to finish the race.
Following Amusan’s victory in Accra, the three-time Diamond League final winner expressed gratitude to her supporters while insisting she remained determined to achieve more success this season.
“Beyond grateful to God, my team, supporters, and everyone who continues to believe in me through every season. Historic feeling. Still hungry for more. The mission continues,”
The 10-time African champions are scheduled to take on the Teranga Lionesses on June 5 and 8 at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, Ogun State, in what will form a key part of their build-up to July’s continental tournament.
The fixtures were confirmed on social media platform X by Super Falcons Show, which announced the details of the encounter and venue.
“Nigeria’s senior women’s national team, the Super Falcons, will take on Senegal Women’s National Team in a double-header international friendly scheduled for June 5 and 8,” the post read.
“Both matches will be played in Ikenne, Nigeria.”
The friendlies come after Nigeria’s proposed training tour of the United Kingdom, which included a planned match against Jamaica, was cancelled due to scheduling complications linked to FIFA’s official women’s international window. The timing meant clubs would not have been obliged to release players.
With that tour shelved, the Senegal fixtures now offer a timely opportunity for coach Justine Madugu and his technical team to assess squad options, test tactical systems and strengthen team cohesion ahead of the WAFCON campaign and longer-term qualification targets for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
Senegal are expected to provide a competitive regional test, with their physical style and disciplined organisation likely to offer Nigeria a different tactical challenge across both matches.
The Super Falcons, who have dominated African women’s football for decades, will be aiming to use the double-header to fine-tune preparations as they pursue another continental title in Morocco next year.
Dr Bojuwoye, a seasoned medical professional with extensive experience in road running events across Nigeria, is expected to bring added value to the race through his expertise.
As medical director, his responsibilities will include overseeing emergency medical response, coordinating first aid stations along the course, ensuring athlete safety, and supervising medical volunteers and paramedics.
His role is critical in safeguarding the health of both elite and recreational runners, as well as spectators.
In addition to unveiling its new medical director, the organisers also announced five corporate partners for the 2026 edition.
The Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN), Petralon Energy, Razzl Drink, Dan Oil, and Carloha Motors have joined as sponsors, reflecting the race’s growing appeal across diverse sectors of the Nigerian economy.
The Okpekpe race, organised by Pamodzi Sports Marketing Company, has steadily risen in prominence since becoming the first road race in Nigeria to earn World Athletics label status in 2015.
It has since advanced to Gold Label Race status, attracting elite athletes from around the world and cementing its reputation as one of Africa’s benchmark road-running competitions.
Edo State, under the leadership of Governor Monday Okpebolo, has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the race, citing its role in promoting tourism, community pride, and international recognition for the region.
Race Director Zack Amodu noted that the new partnerships underscore the event’s stature and its impact beyond sport.
We are delighted to welcome DBN, Petralon, Razzl, and Carloha Motors as partners for the 11th edition. Their support, alongside the backing of Edo State, not only strengthens the race but also reinforces its role as a platform for promoting excellence, youth empowerment, and community development,’ Amodu said.
Beyond its sporting significance, the Okpekpe International 10km Road Race has become a catalyst for social, health, and economic benefits.
It encourages fitness and healthy lifestyles, fosters social cohesion by bringing communities together, and generates economic activity through tourism, hospitality, and local commerce.
The event also showcases Edo State’s cultural vibrancy while contributing to Nigeria’s growing reputation in global athletics.
The 11th edition is expected to draw elite athletes, local participants, and international attention, further consolidating Nigeria’s place on the global athletics calendar.
-
Editorial2 days agoEnough Of Xenophobic Attacks On Nigerians
-
Nation2 days agoRSU, Otonti Nduka Foundation Holds Centenary Conference, Unveil Book on Values in Nigeria
-
Oil & Energy2 days agoRivers PETROAN Elects 12-Member Executive
-
Politics2 days ago
APC Group Protests Ex–Presidential Aspirant’s Disqualification From Rivers Senatorial Race
-
Politics2 days ago
Reps Speaker Secures APC Return Ticket For Fifth Term
-
Sports2 days agoOparaodu Urges Rivers United To Win Katsina United
-
Environment2 days agoMOSOP – Tinubu Not Sincere With Ogoni People For Oil Resumption
-
Sports2 days ago” Nigeria’s best domestic players are not in NPFL”