Sports
AYC Qualifiers: Eagles Beat Clinton Academy 6-1
Ahmed Musa (7) scoring Nigeria’s second goal against Argentina last week
The Flying Eagles have in
Abuja thumped Clinton Football Academy of Lagos 6-1 in a test game.
The test match was part of preparations for the team’s final round of qualifiers for the 2015 African Youth Championship (AYC) in Senegal.
The national under-20 male football team will host Lesotho on August 16 in a first leg clash, with the return slated for Maseru two weeks later.
The test match at the FIFA Goal Project pitch saw Taiwo Awoniyi and Tunde Adeniji both grabbing a brace each, while Kelechi Iheanacho and Mustapha Abdullahi scored one each.
Taiwo Awoniyi put the Flying Eagles ahead after just eight minutes.
Six minutes later, Kelechi Iheanacho doubled the advantage from the penalty spot after Awoniyi was brought down on his way to goal.
A minute after he was denied from point-blank range by goalkeeper Faith Oje, Awoniyi grabbed his brace in the 22nd minute courtesy of an assist by Musa Yahaya.
Adeniji made it 4-0 two minutes after the interval when he was set up by Sulaiman Abdullahi.
Anu Egundipe pulled a goal back for Clinton Academy in the 61st minute, when he fired past goalkeeper Dele Alampasu after a blunder by skipper Musa Muhammed.
Adeniji completed his brace in the 74th minute with an assist from Chidiebere Nwakali.
Mustapha Abdullahi wrapped up the emphatic win 10 minutes from time with a fine individual goal as he ran halfway down the pitch before slotting home.
Flying Eagles’ coach Manu Garba told newsmen after the match that even though his team scored six goals, he was not too satisfied with the team’s overall play.
“This is our first game after a long time, but we have to be more clinical in front of goal after the numerous chances we created.
“At this level, we cannot afford to throw away begging chances,’’ he said.
Garba however said he was happy that all 35 players invited had reported to camp.
“The team will work very hard to correct all errors before our AYC final qualifying round first leg match,’’ he said.
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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