Sports
Why Eaglets Are In Suwon Tournament – NFF
The Nigeria Football Fed
eration ( NFF ) yesterday explained its decision for the Under-17 National football team, Golden Eaglets to participate in the forthcoming 2016 U-19 Suwon Continental Cup tournament.
A statement from NFF’S spokesperson, Ademola Olajire, quoted the General Secretary, Mohammed Sanusi, as saying that it was aimed to sustain the team’s momentum.
He said the tournament would prepare the team for bigger challenges ahead.
He said the NFF had subjected the lads to series of medical examinations to ascertain the fact that they were truly Under-17 players.
“Apart from the tests conducted by the NFF, there was a medical team from CAF that subjected the players to another thorough examination.
“We are very sure the boys are Under-17 players and we must do everything to prepare them for bigger challenges, as they will constitute the next Under-20 team.
“They showed naevity and a level of innocence in the way they approached the match in Niger Republic.
“That was partly why they were intimidated out of the African qualifying series,” he said.
Sanusi assured that apart from the Suwon tournament, the NFF would keep them busy next year with series of invitational tournaments and friendly matches.
He said this would help to expose and turn them into matured players for the qualifying series of 2019 Africa U20 Cup of Nations.
Tidessports gathered that a team of 22 players and 10 officials of the Golden Eaglets will depart Nigeria on Monday, November,7 for Korea Republic for the Continental Cup.
The Eaglets are scheduled to take on their counterparts from England on Wednesday, November, 9, play Iran the following day and tackle the host team on Saturday, November, 12.
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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