Sports
U-20 W/Cup: Investigate F’ Eagles, Babayaro Urges NFF
Emmanuel Babayaro has called on the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to launch an investigation into the exit of the Flying Eagles in the ongoing Fifa World Cup in Poland.
Despite starting the tournament impressively with a 4-0 demolition of Qatar, the 2005 runners-up failed to build on the fine start, losing 2-0 to United States before playing to a 1-1 stalemate with Ukraine to qualify for the knockout stage as one of the best third-placed teams.
Aigbogun’s men were then eliminated by Senegal in the Round of 16 of the tournament, losing 2-1 in Lodz on Monday.
Babayaro, who was part of the Nigeria 1996 Olympic gold medal-winning team, has given a stern assessment of the Flying Eagles in the tournament.
“From the beginning, their performance has been poor. Our exit was expected, it was long-coming,” Babayaro told newsmen.
“Look at how we qualified in the first instance, apart from the very first game we won and we won against a very poor side, we never beat any other team.
“The technical team are not up to speed technically. It baffled me that we will be going for a World Cup without our best legs, it is a shame.
“If we play well with the youngsters and we are eliminated in the group stage it’s cool, it is developmental. We need to go for the right lads for our own future.
“The NFF should do the needful. Do your proper investigation into what happened with the Flying Eagles. How can we be taking mediocre players to a competition like the World Cup and then dropping the best players?
“I think the team should be investigated and if the coaches are found wanting they should be sanctioned to serve as a lesson to others.
“They are killing our future, the purpose of the tournament is to create room for the young kids who will graduate to U23 and then to the Super Eagles”.
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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