Sports
S’Eagles Not Under Pressure To Win AFCON – NFF Vice President
The 1st Vice-President of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Seyi Akinwunmi, yesterday in Lagos said that the body did not expect the Super Eagles to win the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) at all cost.
Akinwunmi told Tidesports source that the Glass House football administration would not put pressure on the Gernot Rohr-tutored team but expect that the team should be at their best.
Tidesports reports that the Super Eagles will begin their quest for their fourth glory when the biennial football hostilities takes centre stage in Egypt from June 21 to July 19.
Akinwunmi, however, said that the team had been given enough incentive that could aid their performance during the football fiesta in Egypt.
“What we have done so far as NFF is that we have put up a programme where the footballers only have to think about football with no extraneous matters.
“So, we expect them to be at their best and do their best. They should strive to win the Cup and if they didn’t win, that does not mean that they have failed.
“They can only be termed as failure if they failed to put in their best and we can judge that with their performance. But sometimes efforts are not enough.
“Sometimes, circumstances may arise, then, we should know that they have tried, not to win at all cost,’’ he said.
Akinwunmi urged Nigerians to support the team, adding that the support would help the team to be at their best instead of putting pressure on the team.
“We expect Nigerians as before to support the team in all the ways they can because that is what they need right now and not that they should put pressure on the team.
“I also know that Nigerians pray a lot, so I also expect that they pray for the team to succeed in Egypt, those that are able to go and those that will stay at home,’’ 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.