Sports
‘Eagles ’ll Surpass Previous Records In Brazil’
The Nigeria Football Fed
eration (NFF) has said that it would “leave no stone unturned’’ for the Super Eagles to surpass previous World Cup records when the 2014 edition kicks-off in Brazil.
The NFA Chairman, Aminu Maigari, who made the disclosure in an interview with newsmen in Abuja, said the current NFA board relied on long-term preparation for success.
According to Maigari, the Mexico friendly put together for the Super Eagles and the early selection of camping site for the world cup preparation, are some of the strategies designed to ensure success at the mundial.
“This is the first NFA board to do away with short and medium term preparations; we believe in long-term preparation because we have seen results.
“We believe we need to put these players in a place so that they can get used to themselves and be properly coached and trained.
“With such kind of environment, they will not have distractions but we have gone far in our preparations because we have secured a place for the World Cup camping.
“The environment will take care of everything that these players will require; we are going further to organise some befitting international friendly matches for the team.
“We have the Mexico friendly scheduled to take place on March 5, in the U.S., and we have other request underway.
“We are just looking forward to when the coaches will invite these players to camp.’’
He said that the NFA strongly relied on President Jonathan for its World Cup plan to be actualised.
“I don’t think finance will be an issue going by what President Jonathan had done for us in the past.
“The president is so much committed to this and he wants to use it (World Cup) to make Nigerian people happy.
“We re following presidential steps to ensure we make Nigerian people happy.
“The players too are not relenting on their efforts to ensure that Nigerians are happy with the achievements in football,’’ he said.
NFA’s Assistant Director of Communications, Ademola Olajire, also told newsmen that the NFA was putting finishing touches to the other proposed friendly matches lined-up for the team.
He said the countries and venues for the encounter would be made public as soon as arrangements were concluded.
The Super Eagles foreign-based players will join the team’s camp in the U.S. for the friendly against Mexico.
Meanwhile, the four invited home-based players will depart with the coaching crew from Nigeria.
Flamingoes player (left), struggling to beat an opponent during an international engagement recently
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.