Sports
CHAN: S’Eagles Target Winning Start Against Niger, Today
Nigeria will hope to get
off to a winning start in the 2016 CHAN against next-door neigbours Niger on Monday.
Kick-off time is 5pm Nigerian time.
Nigeria coach Sunday Oliseh said it was crucial to start the 2016 CHAN on a winning note.
“We have a very good team to do well, but we pray for a good start in the tournament,” said Oliseh, who faces his first major championship since he was appointed the country’s coach in July 2015.
Christopher Madaki and goalkeeper Femi Thomas said they are seeking victory in the opening game in Rwanda.
“It’s victory we are going for against Niger Republic. Opening games are important in competitions and we are looking forward to start the CHAN on a winning note,” said Giwa FC defender Madaki.
Enyimba goalkeeper Femi Thomas said he believes a two-week training camp in Pretoria, South Africa, has been worth it and this will be evident against the Mena of Niger.
“Our camping in South Africa helped us, it brought us together as a team. We are like a family in camp with high spirit. Victory is our target,” Thomas said.
Nigeria will be buoyed leading up to Monday’s game after they defeated the same team 2-0 in a friendly in Port Harcourt in September.
Skipper Ahmed Musa gave the Eagles an 11th minute lead from the penalty spot, before Moses Simon doubled the advantage five minutes from time.
It was a very physical game with Niger most uncompromising in the tackles. It could be a repeat on Monday in Kigali.
Ghanaian-born Kofi Dan Kowa will be one of the most experienced players for Niger today having being an international since 2008. He featured at both the 2012 and 2013 AFCONs for his adopted country.
He has posted foreign stints in Tunisia, South Africa and most recently India.
The daring central defender could also play as a defensive midfielder and scored in both legs of the qualifiers against Togo.
Both West African countries are featuring for the second time in this competition.
Niger made their debut at the 2011 tournament in Sudan and reached the quarterfinals, where they lost on penalties to the hosts.
As it were, Niger stopped Nigeria from the 2011 competition after they overcame coach Daniel Amokachi’s team in Kano.
Nigeria first played at the CHAN two years ago in South Africa, where they finished third.
Niger eliminated Togo to qualify for Rwanda 2016, while Nigeria saw off Burkina Faso.
Chairman, South-South, SWAN and Chairman, Main Organising Committee (MOC), Go Round/SWAN Secondary School Athletics Championship, Mr Honour Sirawoo (middle|), Chairman, Publicity and Sub-Committee, Mr Gabriel Nwanetanya (right), and Mr Giga James, member of the MOC, during a press briefing at Ernest Ikoli Press Centre, Port Harcourt, 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.
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