Sports
2014 W/Cup Qualifier: S’Eagles Desperate For Victory Over Namibia, Sunday
Nigeria’s Super Eagles will begin their race for a place in the 2014 World Cup in Brazil on Sunday wen they host the Brave Warriors of Namibia at the UJ Esuene Stadium, Calabar.
As coach Stephen Keshi and his evolving team search for the winning formula Nigerians have been craving for, Sunday’s match is a must win tie if Keshi and his team are to continue enjoying the confidence and support of Nigerians.
After recording two losses on the bounce in as many friendly games played recently, it is time for the team to buckle up and deliver.
Interestingly, big boss, Keshi has said that he hates losing and does nto associate himself with failure, he must be able to find the right mix between his home and foreign based professionals.
Also, stand-in Captain of the team, keeper Vincent Enyeama has expressed the confidence that Namibia would pay the price for Nigeria’s recent disappointments.
Indeed, Nigeria should be heads and shoulders above their Sunday’s opponents in the game, but recent history and the Super Eagles’ performances show that the victory should not be taken for granted.
The Brave Warriors have said that they would be coming to give the Eagles a good run. They will certainly not lie down to be trampled upon. The team flew into the country from Germany, where they prepared for the Sunday game. A warm up match with Mozambique ends 0-0, an indication that the Warriors would want to sit back and try to catch Super Eagles on the counter.
Therefore, the Eagles must be sharp and concise in their game. Their usually laid back and clumsy approach to games before now must be jettisoned for a result oriented tactics.
With players like Ikechukwu Uche, Victor Moses, Ahmed Musa, Fengor Ogude and enthusiastic home based players in the team, Nigeria should have the skill and tact to unlock the guard of the Namibians to make a convincing statement about their 2014 World Cup and 2013 African Nations Cup intentions.
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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