Sports
We’ll Still Qualify -Onazi
Eto’o in action against Mexico in Brazil last Friday
Ogenyi Onazi is insisting that Nigeria can qualify for the second round of the World Cup despite an unexpected draw against Iran.
The Super Eagles failed to find a way past the resolute defending of the Iranians to finish with the first 0-0 draw of the tournament, but Onazi is confident all hope is not lost.
“We are not happy we didn’t win, but that’s football,” Onazi told newsmen after the match.
“We wanted to win but that didn’t happen.
“It doesn’t make it any more difficult. If we win the next two games, we will qualify from the group.
“That is what we have to do,” he added.
Nigeria’s next game is against Bosnia Herzegovina in Cuiaba, with the winner of that game expected to join Argentina in the next round.
Meanwhile, the President-General, Nigeria Football Supporters Club (NFSC), Rafiu Oladipo, yesterday urged Nigerians to remain steadfast in prayers for the Super Eagles to overcome the disappointment of Monday’s goalless draw against Iran.
Oladipo told newsmen in Sao Paulo, Brazil that Nigerians should not despair over the chances of the Eagles in the World Cup.
“Pray without ceasing, and God in His infinite mercies, will see us through,’’ he said.
Oladipo noted that the Eagles on several occasions, started competitions on a slow note only to pick up in subsequent matches.
The President-General said he was optimistic that the Eagles would improve on their performance in subsequent matches.
He said that with the belief in God, the prayers of Nigerians would not go unanswered and the team would not crash out in the group stage.
Oladipo, who is also the President-General, African Football and Other Sports Supporters Union (AFOSSU), also urged the Eagles to brace up in their matches against Bosnia and Argentina.
“Eagles should brace up against their opponents in their next matches, they should not be complacent.
“The statistics of the match against Iran showed that Nigeria had an upper hand in the match, but our boys could not convert opportunities before them.
“They should go all out against Bosnia and Argentina; the two matches are winnable.
“They should be courageous and should not nurse any form of fear or intimidation against their next opponents.
“They should not allow the outcome of the first match dampen their morale and determination to advance,’’ he said.
Nigeria will meet Bosnia and Herzegovina on Saturday and Argentina on June 26 in their remaining Group F matches.
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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