Sports
Go For Victory In Niamey, Tambuwal Charges Eaglets
National Under-17 team have
been charged to make Nigeria proud when they face Niger Republic in an African championship second leg qualifying encounter in Niamey, on Saturday.
Gov. Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State gave the charge on Wednesday night when he hosted the officials and players of the team camped ahead of their departure to Niger.
Tambuwal said, ‘’the level of determination shown by the players during their preparations showed that they mean business.
“I want you to take up this challenge and take this as a match that can make or mar your soccer careers.
“But, with the kind of determination I see on your faces, victory is certain by the grace of Almighty Allah.
“I want to believe the reason you camped here in the City of the Caliphate is not only because we share border with Niger, but, also because this is a peaceful state.
“It is great privilege to have you with us. I congratulate all of you for being part of this contingent on your way to Niger Republic”, Tambuwal said.
He urged the players to go to Niamey, win, and qualify for the next round.
General-Secretary of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, commended Tambuwal for his selfless service to Nigerian football.
“I want to use this opportunity to thank our sport-loving governor. Not many knew that the Tambuwal had long been supporting Nigerian football even before he became the governor of Sokoto state.
“We (NFF) had turbulent time when he was the Speaker, but he was always there to assist us; and we would forever be grateful for that.
‘’To our joy, his administration also accepted to host the Golden Eaglets at a very short notice and we are indeed very grateful”, Sanusi added.
Sanusi, who is an indigene of Sokoto state, urged the government to provide befitting sports facilities in the state.
He added that sports and indeed football had become a veritable avenue for physical and human development with other inherent economic benefits.
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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