Sports
Ahead U-17 W/Cup: Eaglets Relocate To Uyo
The Golden Eaglets have moved to Uyo to continue their preparation for the Fifa Under-17 World Cup which kicks off later in October at the UAE.
A team of thirty-three players and eight officials arrived Uyo on Sunday afternoon without the trio of coach Garba Manu, the team’s secretary Tayo Egbaiyelo and the team’s captain Musa Mohammed who have all travelled to Abu Dhabi for the Official World Cup draw.
The team were accompanied by the secretary of the Cross River State Football Association, Greg Abang, at the instance of the Nigeria Football Federation who decided to move the team from Calabar as the Cross Rivers State capital will be a beehive of activities this week with the hosting of this year’s Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Annual General Conference at TINAPA Business Resort in Calabar between August 25 and 30.
Officials explained that the weeklong move to Uyo was necessitated by the need to avoid any form of distraction to the team.
“It is part of our obligation to provide the enabling environment for the Golden Eaglets to have their training sessions without any hindrance at any given time,” affirmed Dr. Emmanuel Ikpeme.
“But we find it expedient to move the team to Uyo because Cross State is hosting the NBA conference this week.”
While in Uyo, the Golden Eaglets are expected to play at least one friendly match with a local team.
The Eaglets are not unfamiliar with Uyo, having beaten an Akwa Ibom Under-17 select side 6-1 last December, in an event that commemorated the 50th birthday of Governor Goodswill Akpabio.
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.