Sports
2014 W/Cup:NFF Delighted, Warns S’Eagles
Nigeria Football Federation, NFF General Secretary Musa Amadu was delighted to see Nigeria drawn against Ethiopia for the final round of 2014 World Cup qualifying, but says there will be no complacency.
Ethiopia are the lowest-ranked team in the draws, and Amadu admits it was the best possible draw for the Super Eagles.
“I actually think we couldn’t have had a better draw,” he told newsmen
“We got the lowest ranked team in the draw. They are number 25 in Africa and 93 in the world, and we getting to play the first leg away from home. It is really the best we could have got out of the draw.
“Having said that, we need to be well prepared.
“Last time we were in Ethiopia for an African Nations Cup qualifier, we had to scrape to get a 2-2 draw.
“We can’t take them for granted. They qualified from a difficult group including Botswana and South Africa and we really must prepare very well against them.”
Amadu also pointed to the high altitude at Addis Ababa and the heaving support of their fans as major factors that the Eagles will have to be wary of.
“We have to also consider that they are a high altitude country. We know how passionate their fans can be and having come this far, I’m sure this is the closest they have come to qualifying for the World Cup, they will give it their all and we have to be very careful.
“But it’s a very good draw and we will take it like that and work towards qualification.
“We won’t under rate them. They gave us a tough run in South Africa at the Nations Cup so we know they are skilful and pacy and having come this far, will feel that they themselves have a very good chance of qualifying for the World Cup.
“So there will be no complacency and we will take it like we are playing Egypt, or CIV or Ghana or any other country and ultimately qualify for the World Cup.”
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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