Sports
Football Fans Hail S’Eagles’ Performance
A cross-section of Abuja based football enthusiasts say the Super Eagles were outstanding against the Mediterranean Knights of Libya last Saturday in an Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier in Uyo.
The Tidesports source reports that Odion Ighalo scored a hat-trick as the Super Eagles defeated Libya 4-0 in their third Group E game of the 2019 AFCON Qualifiers.
Samuel Kalu added the fourth goal when he curled a shot past the goalkeeper after he received a pass from Henry Onyekuru in the game at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.
The result meant Nigeria picked up their second win in the group and now have six points, a point behind table-toppers South Africa who had earlier defeated Seychelles 6-0 on Saturday.
The Super Eagles return to action when they travel to Tunisia to face Libya in the reverse fixture on Tuesday.
The football enthusiasts who spoke to sports journalists after the game said the Eagles gave a good account of themselves at the end of a very crucial match.
They however urged the Eagles not to relent in their efforts and maintain the same form which they displayed in Uyo when they face Libya in Tunisia.
Segun Agbede, a sports pundit, said even though the first half was a bit shaky as both teams struggled to assert themselves, the Super Eagles were classy and dominant in the second half.
“It was a brilliant second half performance from the Super Eagles today, and I must admit I didn’t see this scoreline coming.
“This result will resound around Africa and send a strong message to all and sundry that the Eagles mean business,” he said.
Audu Yisa, a banker, who said he could not fault the performance of the Eagles, added that the match was supposed to be” a banana skin” for the team but surprisingly “ended like a roller-coaster”.
“It was an all-round performance by the Super Eagles today. Their exchange of passes was on point and the midfielders were so comfortable with the ball.
“Ighalo proved all his doubters wrong with a lovely hat-trick and Kalu’s goal was indeed a stunner as he justified his call-up to the national team.
“Surprisingly, nobody saw the huge scoreline coming, but it could have even be more scandalous for the Libyans if the Eagles had taken all the chances they created.
“We sincerely hope they can replicate the same performance when they play the second leg on Tuesday,”
Edafe Eseoghene, a businessman singled out stand-in team captain Ahmed Musa for praise.
“Musa’s performance today clearly showed that his decision to go to Saudi Arabia to ply his trade has not in any way diminished the value and quality of his play.
“What a first-time pass for Ighalo, the man on fire to make his first hat-trick for Nigeria!
“It sure must have been a great fun and excitement for the fans in Uyo as the Super Eagles were indeed ‘super’ today,” he said.
Biola Kazeem, a medical doctor, said he was happy with the feat achieved by Ighalo.
He pointed out that the forward had finally picked up form after a long and tough stint in his national team career.
“Very happy for Ighalo. He has had a very hard time in the Super Eagles but he has continued to carry on.
“I am glad he got his reward today and now has a platform to really take off. A firing Ighalo is a big asset to us because he offers so much even without scoring,” Kazeem said.
Reports have it that Ighalo, with his performance on Saturday, became the 10th player to score a hat-trick for Nigeria.
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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