Sports
Former national team captain Henry Nwosu has advised Super Eagles players to go for early goals in tomorrow’s 2012 Nations Cup qualifier against Guinea. Nwosu also advised Samson Siasia’s wards not to fall for the antics of the Guineans as they would employ every antic imaginable to frustrate the Nigerians. “I know the Eagles will play to win. We have the pedigree and the caliber of players to do it. We can beat Guinea but the players must go for early goals. If they can do that there will be confidence in the team and the fans would have less to worry about. They need to score early,” Nwosu told the Vanguard. “The Guineans will come to Abuja to frustrate us. They will be falling unnecessarily and want to delay the game. Our players should expect this.” Meanwhile, Nigeria’s Super Eagles are determined to dismiss concerns about the potentially harsh Abuja weather and knuckle down to the task of beating Guinea on Saturday. CAF have fixed the game for 2pm, ignoring a request by Nigeria to change the time, and Samson Siasia’s wards are determined to get on with it. “We would prefer to play when the sun will not be as hot as it is,” defender Taye Taiwo said. “But since they want us to play at that time, we dont have any choice. “The important thing for us now is to focus on the game, play according to the coach’s instruction and make sure we win to make Nigerians happy.” Teammate Osaze Odemwingie agrees, and adds that there is a silver lining. “We are coming from Europe where it is summer at this time, so the difference may not be much. “But we can’t make any excuses. We just have to do the job and with the support of Nigerians, we will.” Weather forecast for Abuja tomorrow has the temperature on a high of 30 degrees and low of 24, with humidity in the mid-60s, which should make life slightly easier for the players.
Former national team captain Henry Nwosu has advised Super Eagles players to go for early goals in tomorrow’s 2012 Nations Cup qualifier against Guinea.
Nwosu also advised Samson Siasia’s wards not to fall for the antics of the Guineans as they would employ every antic imaginable to frustrate the Nigerians.
“I know the Eagles will play to win. We have the pedigree and the caliber of players to do it. We can beat Guinea but the players must go for early goals. If they can do that there will be confidence in the team and the fans would have less to worry about. They need to score early,” Nwosu told the Vanguard.
“The Guineans will come to Abuja to frustrate us. They will be falling unnecessarily and want to delay the game. Our players should expect this.”
Meanwhile, Nigeria’s Super Eagles are determined to dismiss concerns about the potentially harsh Abuja weather and knuckle down to the task of beating Guinea on Saturday.
CAF have fixed the game for 2pm, ignoring a request by Nigeria to change the time, and Samson Siasia’s wards are determined to get on with it.
“We would prefer to play when the sun will not be as hot as it is,” defender Taye Taiwo said. “But since they want us to play at that time, we dont have any choice.
“The important thing for us now is to focus on the game, play according to the coach’s instruction and make sure we win to make Nigerians happy.”
Teammate Osaze Odemwingie agrees, and adds that there is a silver lining.
“We are coming from Europe where it is summer at this time, so the difference may not be much.
“But we can’t make any excuses. We just have to do the job and with the support of Nigerians, we will.”
Weather forecast for Abuja tomorrow has the temperature on a high of 30 degrees and low of 24, with humidity in the mid-60s, which should make life slightly easier for the players.
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.