Sports
‘Eaglets Not Under Pressure To Win U-17 World Cup’
The Nigeria Football Association (NFA) has said that the Golden Eaglets are not under pressure to emerge winners of the forthcoming FIFA U-17 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This was contained in a statement issued by the team’s Media Officer, Morakinyo Abodunrin, in Abuja which quoted NFA’s Chairman of Technical Committee, Chris Green.
According to the statement, Green said the NFA was concerned with laying a solid foundation for Nigerian football through the team and not just about winning the competition.
The Eaglets are billed to participate in the 15th edition of the FIFA U-17 World Cup from October 17 to November 8.
“We want the Golden Eaglets to do well at the World Cup, but it is not a case of winning at all cost, and that is why we are being meticulous in our approach with this current team.
“Our philosophy is that youth competitions are just developmental and we want to see a situation whereby our players will have more time of their playing life,’’ the statement quoted Green to have said. It said Green was optimistic that the team has a chance to progress from the first round group stage of the competition, where they have been drawn in Group F. The draw held Monday in Abu Dhabi saw the Eaglets being grouped with Mexico, Iraq and Sweden.
Green said he believes the Golden Eaglets have already achieved something by qualifying for the World Cup competition.
“And on our part, we have achieved something greater because everyone has been saying that this is the most credible under-17 team ever presented by this country.
“Though, the Mexicans are the defending champions, but the fact is still that Nigeria is a strong country at this level. “As such, we expect that the Golden Eaglets will do well at the World Cup,’’ he said.
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.