Sports
CHAN: S’Eagles’ Comeback Thrills Nigerians
Nigerian football enthusi
asts at the weekend reacted with ecstacy to Super Eagles’ 4-3 defeat of the Atlas Lions of Morocco to qualify for the 2014 African Nations Championship (CHAN) semi-finals.
In separate interviews they hailed the team’s “unexpected victory’’ saying “the team virtually came back from the dead’’.
The Super Eagles had rallied from a 0-3 deficit at half-time to defeat Morocco 4-3 in extra time in their quarter-final match in Cape Town, South Africa.
Speaking in Port Harcourt, Rivers State football Head coach, Tony Chuku described the performance as remarkable. He said that the Eagles demonstrated unremarkable spirit worthy of emulation and urged other Nigerian sportsmen to borrow a leaf from them.
In Lagos, a former Chief Coach of the Super Eagles,Paul Hamilton, said the team’s comeback into the game was simply “intriguing”.
“They started on a low note, but ended up well. I thank God they improved and won the match.
“They are now in a crucial stage and must be ruthless and tactical in the remaining matches. I commend the boys for their determination in not losing concentration when they were down,’’ he said.
Hamilton however called for more work to be done on the team’s goalkeeper, Chigozie Agbim.
In Akure, the Director of Ondo State Football Agency, Mike Idoko, said the Eagles showed they have the character to win the championship.
The director said the match could be one of the best matches played in CHAN history.
“The game was one of the best games I have watched in CHAN so far.
“When the Eagles were three goals down, they never lost their cool, but continued to play with great determination to eventually win,’’ he said.
On his part, an ex-Eagles player, Mutiu Adepoju, said: “We could have lost the match. But I thank God that the boys were able to come back.’’
He, however, warned the team not to take such chances in future matches.
“Coach Stephen Keshi should not relent now. He needs to psyche up the boys, as they have entered a more crucial stage of the competition,’’ Adepoju said.
The Technical Adviser of Crown FC of Ogbomosho, Lawrence Akpokona, described the match as a nice performance.
“It was the raw test of a team’s strength and their ability to recover when they are down.
“The defence in the first half allowed the Atlas Lions space to operate, which gave them the edge in that half.
“But in their next match, I do know that the technical crew will improve on the lapses noticed today (Saturday). All in all, it was a good outing. Kudos to the team,’’ he said.
In Enugu, the Co-ordinator of the Enugu Pepsi Academy, Edwin Eze, said the victory was well-deserved.
“The boys used the first half to size up themselves and in the process made mistakes which they eventually corrected,’’ he said.
Eze, who is also the Director of Information, Enugu State Sports Ministry, said he was happy that one of his boys, Ejike Uzoenyi, made an impressive mark in the team.
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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