Sports
Beach Soccer Tourney: Nigeria Draws Brazil, Japan, Switzerland
Nigeria has been drawn alongside Brazil, Japan and
Switzerland in Group B of the 2nd Samsung Beach Soccer Intercontinental Cup,
scheduled for Dubai in October, an official said yesterday in Abuja.
The General Secretary, Nigeria Football Association (NFA),
Musa Amadu, told newsmen that the competition’s official draw was held on
Tuesday at Dubai’s Festival City Mall.
“The eight teams were split into two groups of four each,
with hosts UAE in Group A, alongside world champions Russia, Oceania Kings,
Tahiti, and the CONCACAF representatives, the US.
“Group B which has Nigeria, also has CONMEBOL champions
Brazil, Euro Beach Soccer League champions Switzerland, and Asian crown-holders
Japan,” he said.
The NFA general secretary said Nigeria’s beach soccer team,
the SuperSand Eagles, were already being prepared to perform creditably at the
competition.
“We have already started preparing our team for the event by
camping the players and officials in Badagry.
“Our aim is for the team to qualify for the semi-finals and
then the final, because we know they can do it and it will also help them
prepare for the Copa Lagos tournament, scheduled for December,” he said.
The Dubai competition will hold from October 30 to November
3, with eight teams participating, with the first round in a round-robin
format.
The best two teams in each group will then proceed to the
semi-finals.
The draw ceremony was conducted by General Secretary of the
Dubai Sports Council, Dr Ahmed Al Sharif.
It also had in attendance Joan Cuscó, Vice-President of
Beach Soccer Worldwide (BSWW) and Michel Salgado, FIFA Futsal and Beach Soccer
Committee member and a former Real Madrid defender.
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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