Sports
Siasia Apologises For Nations Cup Failure
Super Eagles Coach, Samson Siasia has apologised to Nigerians following his team’s 2 – 2 draw with Guinea at the weekend in Abuja and their inability to qualify for the 2012 African Cup of Nations in Equatorial Guinea and Gabon.
“We want to apologise to all Nigerians. We have not qualified for the Nations Cup and we take responsibility as a team,” coach Samson Siasia said at the weekend.
“We did our best, we dominated the game, we created chances but we failed to take our chances and we gave up a last minute goal.
“We understand the frustration of the fans because they love their team so much. But sometimes football can be cruel.”
Nigeria has now failed to qualify for the African Cup of Nations for the first time since 1986 after a last minute goal from Guinea saw them draw their final qualifier 2-2.
Against the run of play, Ismael Bangoura gave Guinea the lead in the second half but Victor Obinna Nsofor levelled. Nigeria then went ahead as substitute Ikechukwu Uche scored, but Ibrahim Diallo struck with seconds remaining to knock out the Super Eagles, who has now joined African giants Cameroon and Egypt in failing to make it to the tournament.
South Africa also suffered heartbreak after thinking they were through following a 0 – 0 draw with Sierra-Leone. Bafana Bafana celebrated at the end of the game as Niger lost 3-0 to Egypt, but the record in Group G. favoured Niger and they progressed to the finals for the first time.
Teams who have qualified for the AFCON include Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, Botswana, Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso, Senegal, Ghana, Guinea, Zambia, Angola, Tunisia, Mali, Niger, Libya (best runner-up).
For the last automatic place, Algeria took on the Central African Republic yesterday, while Morocco also faced Tanzania in the same Group D. Any one of the four teams could qualify, with Sudan also possible qualifier as the second-best runners-up if the results went their way last night.
Gold Monday
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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