Sports
W/Cup Draw: ‘S’Eagles Ready For Any Opponent’
Nigeria may have disap
pointed at their last two FIFA World Cups but expectations are high of a better showing in Brazil next year, irrespective of the first-round group they are drawn in today.
The Super Eagles have not won a World Cup finals match since a 1-0 win over Bulgaria at France 1998. But defender Efe Ambrose said they should not dread clashing with any team in the first round in Brazil. Instead other sides should be apprehensive after a meeting with the African champions.
“We are African champions and instead of trying to avoid any team in the group stage, it should be the other teams trying to avoid us,” the Celtic defender said this week.
“All we need to do is to prepare very well for the competition by playing some top friendlies and making sure that we are fit and playing for our various clubs in Europe. We must be ready to play against the best teams in the world if we wish to make an impact at the World Cup.”
Sporting Braga ace Elderson Echiejile meanwhile said confidence had been running high in Nigeria’s squad since they won a third CAF Africa Cup of Nations in February, making them ready for the challenge. “I can confidently say we have a good team right now. We have more confidence as a team and that is what I think is going for us right now and that would really help us at the World Cup,” said the defender.
“As a team, we do not have a limit to what we could achieve. I believe so much in this team to shock the world in Brazil. But we should not expect the best draw because there are a lot of great teams going to the World Cup. But whatever team we would be paired against in the draw would be a difficult team because they all went through the qualifiers, so they would be tough to play against.”
Nigeria are now a settled side under former skipper Stephen Keshi and suggestions of hiring a foreign coach for the World Cup, as was the case for the 2010 competition, have been dismissed by officials. The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) have also promised a good build-up for the World Cup, with the government equally promising a financial lifeline for the cash-strapped association
The NFF said it was working on proposals for a training base in either Colombia, Argentina or the United States before the kick-off in June next year. “The task ahead is a very huge one and as champions of the continent, we must have the best preparation as a lot is expected of this team,” said the head of the NFF Technical Committee, Chris Green.
Brazil will be Nigeria’s fifth World Cup. Their best performances at the tournament came on their debut in 1994 and again in 1998, when they reached the knockout round of 16.
Golden Eaglets star, Kelechi Iheanacho to join CHAN Eagles
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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