Sports
Egypt 2019: Analysts Laud Eagles’ Victory, Optimistic Of Team’s Progress
Football analysts and fans in Osun have lauded the victory of the Super Eagles’ win over Burundi at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.
The analysts and fans equally commended the Super Falcons of Nigeria for their efforts, during their outing at the ongoing FIFA Women’s Word Cup in France, adding that the team needed to start preparing early ahead of the next edition of the competition.
Rotimi Stevens, a football analyst, said he was happy the Super Eagles won their opening match of the competition, noting that it would be a morale booster for the team to go all the way to win the tournament.
Stevens, however, commended the resilience of the Burundians too, saying that they played and fought with determination, making the victory for the Super Eagles difficult.
“I duff my hat to the Burundians, they dispelled their description as minnows.
“Just one most experienced players in their squad, Berahino, but they held the Eagles for the bet.
“My worries are their national anthem and their coach, I almost mistook the coach for a CEO of an oil company. It’s not by force to wear suit,” he said
Omoniyi Popoola, congratulated the Super Eagles in what he described as a hard fought victory over debutants Swallows of Burundi, commending the duo of Odion Ighalo and Ola Aina for giving the country its first victory at the tournament.
Popoola, however, consoled the Super Falcons of Nigeria, as they got battered 0-3 by Germany in the round of 16 of the FIFA Women’s World Cup in France.
“Nigerians are happy with the outcome of today’s encounter with Burundi, however, both players and technical crew should be careful, learning and improving on daily bases.
“Nigerians will continue to pray for them and in the case of the Falcons, I guess it is back to the drawing board.
“The Falcons did their best, qualifying for the second round of the World Cup, but loss to Germany, a multiple World Cup winner, seems inevitable but our girls did well,” he said.
Adeniyi Adewale, an analyst showered praises on the Super Eagles players, especially the substitutes for their brilliant performance, which led to Nigeria’s victory.
“Thanks to our subtitutes that made the day for the Eagles, Ahmed Musa and Ighalo, the goal scorer.
“Ordinarily, the Nigeria vs Burundi on paper will easily be a 4-0 outcome but the Burundians proved bookmakers wrong”, 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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