Sports
…Calabar Ready For D-Day
The Cross River State Government said in Abuja yesterday that it had concluded plans to host the 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying match between Nigeria and Malawi.
Our correspondent reports that the Super Eagles are scheduled to play with the Brave Warriors of Malawi in a crucial World Cup qualifier at the U.J. Esuene stadium in Calabar on September 7.
The Cross River State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Mr Patrick Ugbe, told newsmen in Abuja that the reception of the Eagles would not be different from the previous ones.
‘’Cross River is very ready to host the match. The reception of the Eagles won’t be different from what we used to do.
‘’When they arrive, you will see the traditional Cross River State hospitality at play. We will be there to receive the teams and we will make them very comfortable in Calabar,’’ Ugbe said.
The commissioner described as ‘’unfortunate’’ the petition by the Football Association of Malawi (FAM) which portrayed Calabar as unsafe for the match.
‘’I am sure that by now you know it is not an issue anymore because FIFA has ruled against that petition. It was just a mischievous attempt to unsettle the Nigerian team.
‘’I was disappointed when I heard the report because that is not the spirit of sportsmanship.
‘’You cannot find European countries complaining about where they are going to play a match and ask FIFA to shift the venue; the team must go there to play the match.
‘’It is only in Africa such things happen; it is unfortunate and disappointing,’’ Ugbe added.
He, however, dismissed the fear that the Super Eagles would soon abandon the U.J. Esuene Stadium in Calabar following the completion of renovation work at the National Stadium, Abuja.
According to Ugbe, ‘’we don’t think that the renovation of the National Stadium, Abuja, will affect the Super Eagles matches at the U.J. Esuene Stadium.
‘’It is left for the national team to decide where they want to play their matches and where is more favourable to it.
‘’Calabar and Cross River are known all over the world because that is the home of the national team of Nigeria for now; you cannot buy that.
‘’That is how popular Wembley Stadium in London is and that is how popular the Maracana Stadium in Brazil is.’’
FIFA had dismissed the petition of FAM to move the September 7 match between Nigeria and Malawi from Calabar to somewhere safer after the NFA gave FIFA security guarantee.
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.