Sports
U-17 W/Cup:Flamingoes Hit Quarterfinals After Beating Colombia
The flamingos of Nigeria
went a goal behind, but rallied to beat Colombia 2-1 and secure their place in the quarterfinals of the Fifa Under-17 Women’s World Cup.
Having lost their opening game to Mexico, the South Americans needed a win to keep their hopes of progress alive, and looked to have got off to the dream start when Angie Rodriguez looped a header beyond Onyinyechukwu Okeke inside three minutes.
But the Nigerian girls kept their heads, and were soon level when Joy Bokiri curled in a perfectly flighted free-kick from the edge of the penalty area.
Things were to get even better. Uchenna Kalu ghosted in unmarked at the far post to nod in a corner kick and put the Flamingoes ahead.
But for their error-strewn shooting, the Nigerian girls could have been out of sight as Colombia were pegged back into their own half.
Midfielder Ihuoma Onyebuchi rattled the Colombia crossbar with a first time strike from distance as the South Americans retreated under the onslaught.
In one particularly unrelenting wave, goalkeeper Monica Florez was forced into a succession of saves as the Nigerians peppered her goal.
But there were to be no further goals and the win means Colombia join China as the eliminated teams from the group, while Nigeria and Mexico will meet in the battle for group leadership.
Flamingoes players celebrating their equalising goal against Colombia before clinching the winner, yesterday
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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