Sports
2013 AYC: 39 Players For Flying Eagles Camp
Chief Coach of the U-20 national team, the Flying Eagles, John Obuh, has invited nine foreign-based professional players to camp, in preparation for the 2013 African Youth Championship (AYC).
A statement signed by the team’s Spokesperson, Samm Audu, in Abuja said that the invited players resume camp on or before last Sunday.
The 2013 AYC, billed for Algeria, will hold from March 16 to March 30, with eight participating teams.
The invited players include: Mikel Agu (FC Porto, Portugal), Bright Osagie (Red Bull, Salzburg, Austria), Salau Ibrahim Atta (Westerlo, Belgium) and Christian Chidere Okafor (LFK Numberg, Germany).
Others are: Marvel Ekpiteta (Stevenage, England), Femi Ajayi (Charlton Athletic),
Oliha Aigbe (Esperance Zarziz, Tunisia), Kenneth Ngwoke (Hamitkay, Cyprus). and Jesse Sekidika (Lancaster Higher School, England).
The team started preparations for the championship when it opened camping in Abuja on January 6 with 20 invited players.
The statement noted that Obuh also invited 19 other players to bring the number of players in camp to 39.
It added that 10 players have been dropped from the 39, while six others from the domestic league have been given a chance to prove themselves in the team.
This brings the number of players in camp to 44, struggling for shirts at the championship.
The statement added that as part of its build-up, the team is expected to have a re-match today in Enugu.
The team will take on the Super 4 and Federation Cup winners, Heartland FC of Owerri, on February 1 and two days later, take on the newly-promoted Bayelsa United FC.
The team has been drawn in Group B with Mali, Congo DR and Gabon in the championship.
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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