Sports
World Cup Appearance, My Greatest Moment In 2018 -Akinwunmi
The first Vice-President, Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Seyi Akinwunmi, yesterday said that the Super Eagles appearance at the 2018 World Cup was his greatest moment in Nigerian football in the year.
Akinwunmi made this known in an interview with newsmen in Lagos, while reflecting on the successes recorded in football administration in 2018.
Tidesports reports that 2018 had been a busy year for football administration as the various national teams were engaged in many international football competitions.
The senior national team led by the Franco-German tactician, Gernot Rohr had a fairly decent appearance at the 2018 World Cup in Russia, after playing in what many soccer pundits regarded as the “Group of Death’’.
The Super Eagles qualified for the 2018 World Cup in style, being the first African team to qualify after beating Zambia 1-0 in Uyo.
The Rohr-tutored team, however, failed to go past the group stage being sandwich alongside giant killers such as Croatia, which later emerged as the World Cup runner-up, Argentina and Iceland.
Also, the Women counterpart, the Super Falcons of Nigeria made the podium again after emerging champions of the 2018 African Women Cup of Nations (AWCON) hosted by Ghana for the ninth time.
The Thomas Dennerby-tutured team has now become perennial winners, having won 11 times out of 13 of the previous tournament.
On the successes recorded in sports in the year under review, Akinwunmi described it as an interesting, challenging and busy on for Nigerian football administration.
“The past year was a busy one for football administration and I think it is difficult to pick the greatest moment. It has been an interesting one for all the teams.
“For me, the best moment should be our appearance at the World Cup. The qualification is a special one and I cherish that a lot.
“Another greatest moment for me in football was the goal the late Rashidi Yekini scored at the Super Eagles first appearance in the World Cup against Bulgaria in 1994,’’ 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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